Totalitarianism – The term was first used because “dictatorship” did not fully describe this form of government that tries to exercise complete political, economic, social, and cultural control over its subjects. Usually, a dictator heads the government. Totalitarianism teaches that complete obedience to the state is necessary for the country to prosper. One example of a totalitarian state was Nazi Germany. Characteristics of totalitarianism include extreme nationalism, loyalty to a single ruler, the use of secret police to eliminate opposition, and government propaganda to spread ideas. In a totalitarian state, there is no guarantee of civil rights and there is no legal means by which to change or amend the government.

What kind of control is describes a Totalitarian government?

Democracy - a form of government where political authority rests in the consent of the people. Voting is the means by which citizens exercise their authority. An example of a representative democracy is the United States. Such democracies believe in individual freedoms and equality before the law. This means that all persons are created equal in the eyes of the law. Thus, citizens are free to join political parties and labor unions. Citizens have the right to remove elected officials, propose new laws. and vote on proposed laws. Citizens have the right to amend or abolish the government through legal means. There is no secret police created by the government to destroy government opposition.

What does it mean that authority rests in the consent of the people?

Germany suffered humiliation from WWI defeat

The German govt. supported the Treaty of Versailles.

The solution of the Nazi party was to tear up the Treaty of Versailles and make Germany proud again.

Which of the following might be a reason people would have supported the Nazis at this time in Germany?

Italians were dissatisfied after WWI—Italians thought

they would receive more land

Their government is perceived as

weak on foreign policy because they didn't demand land.

The Fascist Party organized theInvasion of Ethiopia with a Promise to restore the greatness of the Roman Empire.

Which of the following are reasons Italians at this time may have supported the Facist Party?

Benito Mussolini

After World War I the Treaty of Versailles had not given _________the land they thought they deserved. In addition, workers in Italy began to take over factories and production fell. Big businessmen and property owners were frightened. Security was the main issue for these groups. Benito Mussolini rose to power and promised law and order – and more!

Which country belongs in the blank?

It is the 1923 and the place is Rome. Benito Mussolini has had many jobs in his lifetime including a soldier and political leader. He is now about to become dictator of Italy.

Mussolini wants to lead the Italian government and he will do anything to gain power. After World War I, Mussolini began to call for a dictator to rule Italy.

Mussolini began a political party known as the Fascists. He uses violence to silence his enemies. Young men, called “black shirts” because of the color of their uniforms, beat up Fascist enemies.

What would be a good title for this reading?

Mussolini decides that he will take the government by force. He sent 40,000 men to march on Rome. The strategy impressed the people of Italy who saw a strong leader in the person of Mussolini. The king of Italy, willing to do anything to keep the throne, has promised Mussolini cooperation, and “invites” Mussolini to take control of the government. Benito Mussolini is now the most powerful man in Italy! Once in power, Mussolini closes all opposition newspapers and bans public protests. He declares the Fascist party the only legal political party in Italy. He also started his own police force.

Why does Mussolini close newspapers and ban public protests?

In 1935, Mussolini invaded ________ and ignored the League of Nations condemnation of the invasion and economic sanctions

What country goes in the blank?

Adolf Hitler

There was no dominant political party in the Reichstag (rikes-taag), which is the name for the German legislature [lawmaking body]. President Paul von Hindenburg thought that the Nazi political party was less dangerous than the Communists and thought the Nazis would be easier to control. And so, he appointed Adolf Hitler as chancellor (prime minister) of Germany.

What political party did the President of Germany fear more than Nazis?

Big question: How did Hitler come to power?

In 1933, in Berlin, a fire began in the Reichstag building. People blamed the fire on the Communists. The next day, Adolf Hitler met with President Hindenburg and asked for police powers to help protect the Germans from Communists. Hindenburg agreed.

Hitler used this power to take away the rights of freedom of speech and press. Communists were not allowed to hold meetings. Hitler used propaganda and accused Communists of plotting to overthrow the government. Hitler believed that by creating a fear of communism, the German people would elect a Nazi majority in the legislature. The Nazis did win more votes in the next election, but they still did not control the Reichstag.

What is one thing Hitler and Mussolini both did to secure power for themselves in their countries?

Hitler convinced government officials to change the German constitution. All lawmaking powers were given to the chancellor – Hitler. Hitler banned all political parties except the Nazi party. Two things still stood in the way of Hitler’s becoming dictator of Germany - President Hindenburg and the officers of the German army. Army generals met with Hitler and warned him to get rid of his storm troopers, Hitler’s private army. Hitler agreed and ordered the leaders of the storm troopers to be arrested. He also ordered his political enemies to be arrested and shot. In one weekend, there were over 1,000 people were killed. The military and government leaders praised Hitler’s actions. In 1934 President Hindenburg died.

Hitler determined he should be both President and Chancellor and called this new position Führer (leader.) In a national election, 90% of Germans that voted agreed and Hitler took complete control of the government. Ironically, it took an election to end democracy in Germany. Hitler claimed that he became dictator through the will of the people.

Which of the following are things Hitler did to give him totalitarian power?

(Click all that apply.)

How will these dictatorships would lead to World War II?