World War II - The Rise of Dictators

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Questions and Answers

What prompted the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany?

  • The economic and psychological crisis faced by Germany after World War I (correct)
  • The widespread support for socialist ideals
  • The overwhelming desire for a return to a monarchy
  • The belief that the Versailles Treaty was fair and just

Which of these actions did Hitler take after assuming power in Germany?

  • He sought to maintain a peaceful relationship with neighboring countries
  • He dismantled the democratic Weimar government and established a dictatorship (correct)
  • He strengthened the democratic institutions of the Weimar Republic
  • He promoted a cultural revolution rejecting German nationalism

What is the main characteristic of totalitarianism that makes it attractive to desperate citizens?

  • The promise of individual freedom and liberty
  • The promise of strong leadership and a sense of national unity (correct)
  • The promotion of a diverse and inclusive society
  • The emphasis on economic equality and social justice

What is an example of how a totalitarian regime suppressed opposition?

<p>Using violence and intimidation to silence dissent and critics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the three key factors contributing to the rise of totalitarianism in Europe?

<p>The rise of fascism, the rise of communism, and the rise of militaristic Japan (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a factor in the rise of Benito Mussolini to power in Italy?

<p>The widespread fear of communism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of Joseph Stalin's "five-year plans"?

<p>To rapidly industrialize the Soviet Union. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key characteristic of the Weimar Republic that contributed to its downfall?

<p>Its failure to address the economic and social grievances of the German people. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Versailles Treaty contribute to the rise of dictatorships in Europe?

<p>It imposed harsh economic penalties and territorial losses on Germany, fueling resentment and instability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Fascism?

<p>Promotion of class-based social structures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of Hideki Tojo's leadership on Japan?

<p>He orchestrated the invasion of Manchuria, marking a turning point in Japan's militaristic expansion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the "purges" carried out by Joseph Stalin?

<p>They eliminated all opposition to his rule, creating a powerful and unified Soviet state. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main difference between the rise of Mussolini in Italy and Stalin in the Soviet Union?

<p>Mussolini promoted fascism, while Stalin implemented communism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Adolf Hitler

Leader of the Nazi Party and Chancellor of Germany who established a dictatorship.

Nazism

Ideology promoting racial purification and territorial expansion, founded by Hitler.

Third Reich

The totalitarian regime established by Hitler after dismantling democracy in Germany.

Totalitarianism

A form of government with complete control over citizens and suppression of opposition.

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Francisco Franco

Fascist dictator of Spain who came to power with help from Hitler and Mussolini.

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Weimar Republic

The democratic government of Germany post-WWI that faced severe challenges.

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Radical Governments

Political entities that emerged during economic depression, promising drastic changes.

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Benito Mussolini

The Italian dictator who led the Fascist Party and sought to restore Italy's greatness.

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Fascism

A political ideology emphasizing nationalism and the state's supremacy over individual rights.

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Joseph Stalin

Leader of the Soviet Union who implemented harsh policies and industrialization plans.

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Collectives

Large farms owned and operated by groups in the Soviet Union under Stalin.

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Hideki Tojo

Japanese Prime Minister who played a key role during WWII and expanded militarism.

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Militarism

A political orientation favoring military power and aggressive expansion.

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Study Notes

World War II - The Rise of Dictators

  • Post-WWI era was different for the rest of the world than the US
  • German Weimar Republic lost support due to resentment over war-guilt clause, demilitarization, and loss of territories
  • Economic depression and struggles to recover incited revolutions and rise of radical governments in Russia and Italy
  • New democracies failed due to lack of experience and support
  • Desperation set in globally, with collapses of governments leaving leadership vacuums
  • Economic collapse and the weaknesses of the Versailles Treaty combined to bring radical leaders with ambitious promises into power.

Dictatorship in Italy

  • Benito Mussolini, a WWI veteran, headed the Italian Fascist Party in 1921
  • Nicknamed "Il Duce," he used powerful speaking to gain nationalist support
  • Fascism put the interests of the state above the individual
  • Mussolini quickly gained support from Italy's upper and middle classes, the military, and prominent government officials
  • By 1921, high unemployment, inflation, and fear of communism led to popular support
  • In 1922, Mussolini and his Blackshirts marched on Rome and seized power in a bloodless coup
  • Tight regulation of every part of life and crushing of opposition were part of his rule which promised a new Roman Empire.

Dictatorship in the Soviet Union

  • Joseph Stalin became Soviet Premier in 1924 after Lenin's death
  • He abolished private farms, reorganizing them into collectives
  • His "purges" used secret police to eliminate his enemies (millions killed/missing).

Dictatorship in Germany

  • Adolf Hitler headed the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi)
  • Nicknamed "Der Fuhrer," his powerful speaking inspired Germans in economic/psychological crisis.
  • Hitler wrote Mein Kampf, outlining Nazi ideology (racial purification, territorial expansion)
  • Promising Germans a renewed nation and retribution for Versailles, he secured support
  • In 1933, the Nazis became the majority party. Hitler was elected chancellor, dismantling the democratic Weimar government.
  • Hitler declared himself "Fuhrer" and established the Third Reich.

Dictatorship in Japan

  • Hideki Tojo was Prime Minister to Emperor Hirohito.
  • Japan's militarism and desire for vast expansion led to the invasion of Manchuria in 1931.
  • Japan left the League of Nations to avoid sanctions.

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