Totalitarianism Quiz: Roaring Twenties to Great Depression

Study Notes

Post-War Crisis and Roaring Twenties (1918-1929)

Europe experienced a deep post-war crisis (1918-1925) due to material destruction, reduction of workforce, and end of war economy.
Germany was severely affected by the Treaty of Versailles.
The Roaring Twenties (1920s) was a period of economic expansion characterized by new forms of entertainment, increased consumption, and financial investments.
The US, not devastated by the war, was the first to recover and helped its European allies with loans.
Around 1925, Europe had recovered and was growing rapidly, with improved relations between Germany and its allies (Spirit of Locarno).

The Great Depression (1929-1941)

The Great Depression was a major economic crisis caused by overproduction of the American war industry, leading to overstock, bankruptcies, falling consumption, and unemployment.
The Wall Street Crash (October 24, 1929) began when many companies whose shares were sold on the stock market began to fail, leading to panic and a decline in share values.
The crisis spread to Europe, causing company failures, wage reductions, and increased unemployment.
Banks collapsed when people tried to withdraw their savings.

Rise of Totalitarianism

Countries that participated in WWI evolved in two different directions: democracy and totalitarianism.
Totalitarian regimes were characterized by a supreme leader, single political party, propaganda, and limited rights and freedoms.
Economy was controlled by the state, with a focus on public works programs to reduce unemployment.
Foreign policy was marked by aggressive expansionism.

Fascism in Italy

Italy suffered economic difficulties (inflation, unemployment) and social unrest after WWI.
Benito Mussolini founded the Fasci di Combattimento (1919), a paramilitary group that attacked socialist parties and unions.
The National Fascist Party (1921) aimed to build a strong state to safeguard public order and private property.
Mussolini was given power by King Vittorio Emanuele III after the March on Rome (1922).
Italian Fascism was characterized by the glorification of the state, limited freedoms, blind obedience to the leader, idealization of violence, and aggressive Irredentism.

Description

Test your knowledge on the events and crises in Europe from 1918 to 1929, including the aftermath of World War I, workforce reduction, end of war economy, shortage of consumer goods, and high inflation levels.