Introduction to Totalitarian States and Dictatorships

A person with absolute control over a country.

A government with complete control over its people, suppressing opposition and individual rights.

A system where power is held by the people, typically through voting.

Government owns major industries like factories, utilities, and transportation.

Extreme form of socialism where the state controls all aspects of the economy and society.

A political system where the government, headed by a dictator, has total control and suppresses opposition. Private businesses are allowed.

A political system where the military controls the government.

A period of severe economic hardship characterized by high unemployment, food shortages, and crime, leading to political instability.

The tendency for people to seek strong leaders and authoritarian regimes during times of economic and political crisis.

Hitler's book outlining his plans for Germany, including racism, expanding territory, and world domination.

The hatred of Jewish people, a core principle in Mein Kampf.

Germany's post-WWI democratic government that faced economic challenges like reparations and unemployment.

Payments made by Germany to the Allied nations after World War I to cover war damages, leading to economic hardship.

A major problem for the Weimar Republic, caused by reparations and the economic fallout from World War I.

A system of government where a strong dictator and a powerful government control the nation, but private enterprise and ownership are allowed.

A massacre committed by Japan during a war with China, where the city of Nanking (or Nanjing) was bombed and captured.

A government where the state takes control of major industries like factories, utilities, and transportation, and redistributes wealth.

Italy, Spain, and Germany.

A government system that emphasizes collective ownership and control of the means of production and distribution.

Stalin used the Red Army and secret police to silence any dissent and control the people.

Mussolini came to power through a legal appointment by the King, but he quickly seized absolute power.

Joseph Stalin's policies led to widespread famine in the Soviet Union, with an estimated 30 million deaths.

Mussolini's regime was characterized by the control of the media and use of propaganda to spread fascist ideology.

Mussolini's government suppressed individual freedoms, restricting voting, banning political parties, and enforcing obedience.

A fire set in the German parliament building in 1933, used by Hitler to blame the communists and justify taking emergency powers.

Hitler's title as leader of Germany, signifying his complete control over the country.

A set of laws passed by the Nazi government in 1935 that stripped Jewish people of their German citizenship, marking the beginning of systematic persecution.

A night of violent attacks against Jewish people and businesses in Germany in 1938, orchestrated by the Nazi regime. It signaled the escalation of anti-Semitism.

A series of actions taken by Hitler after gaining power, defying the restrictions imposed on Germany after World War I and paving the way for aggressive expansion.

A period of extreme and uncontrolled inflation, where currency loses value rapidly, prices skyrocket, and economic systems break down.

Hitler promised to restore Germany's greatness, overcome economic hardship, and end unemployment.

Hitler's private army, the Brownshirts, used fear tactics to intimidate opponents and gain political power. Through propaganda and speeches, Hitler rallied support for his nationalist agenda.

Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany in 1933, giving him the leadership position with significant power.

Germany faced severe economic hardship, starvation, and desperation. These problems were blamed on Jewish people, the Weimar Republic ("November Criminals"), and foreign powers.

Hitler's early life was marked by difficulties, impacting his later views. He was born in Austria, lost his mother at a young age, and blamed a Jewish doctor for her death. He aspired to be an artist but failed to gain admission to the Vienna Academy of Art.

Hitler enlisted in the Bavarian unit of the German Army during WWI. This experience likely shaped his nationalistic views and military ambitions. While serving, he witnessed the war's devastation.

Hitler's political journey started with joining the German Workers Party. He was sent to investigate the party by the army in 1919. He delivered a passionate speech denouncing the Treaty of Versailles, Jews, and Communists, which led to his invitation to join the party.

The German Workers Party evolved into the National Socialist German Workers Party, more commonly known as the Nazi Party. Despite their socialist name, they embraced Fascist beliefs, characterized by authoritarian rule, nationalism, and extreme right-wing ideology.

The Beer Hall Putsch was a failed attempt by the Nazi Party to seize power in Munich, Germany. It involved a violent uprising but was quickly suppressed by the authorities. This violent act resulted in Hitler's imprisonment for treason.

The Nazi party's secret police force used terror and violence to silence opposition and enforce Nazi rule.

Hitler's propaganda campaign used fear and scapegoating to blame Jews for Germany's problems, leading to widespread discrimination and persecution.

Hitler blamed Jews and Communists for Germany's problems, claiming they were responsible for the nation's economic woes and decline.

Francisco Franco, a fascist leader, led a rebellion against the elected Spanish government in 1936.

The Spanish Civil War was a conflict between forces led by Francisco Franco and the elected Spanish government, also known as the Loyalists or Popular Front.

Emperor Hirohito, the ruler of Japan during the 1930s, appointed Hideki Tojo as the Minister of War.

Japan's invasion of Manchuria in 1931 marked the beginning of its expansionist ambitions in Asia. The League of Nations condemned their actions but took no real steps to prevent it.