The Emergence of Fascism and Nazism

The Rise of Fascism and Nazism

Italy in the 1920s was the first country to establish a fascist regime, which, for many, became a role model.

Mussolini: Characteristics of Fascism

Fascism was a regime based on six main characteristics:

• The base was an undemocratic and anti-communist ideology.
• The state was directed in a totalitarian manner.
• The state also intervened in the economy in order to achieve self-sufficiency for the country. However, it also supported private entrepreneurs.
• The state dominated society.
• Fierce nationalism prevailed, requiring expansion that led to the creation of a colonial empire for Italy.
• A cult of violence and militarism developed, which aimed not to convince opponents but to eliminate them by any method.

Nazism

Nazism shared the same characteristics as Fascism, with the key difference being the presence of racism.

The Economic Crisis of the 1930s

In 1924, a new government formed by Marshal Hindenburg was elected in Germany. However, Germany was one of the countries most affected by the crash of 1929. The previous German economic improvement was explained by the large amount of capital that Americans had invested in the country. When the crisis exploded in the U.S., American companies withdrew their investments, which caused the closure of many companies in Germany and thus increased unemployment.

As a result, in 1932, there were 6 million unemployed in Germany. Almost half of the active or underemployed population was in this situation at that time.

Impact of the Economic Crisis

The economic crisis increased discontent and social tension among workers and the middle classes.

Hitler's Rise to Power

1932 was a pivotal year, as there were both parliamentary elections and elections for the presidency of the republic. In the parliamentary elections, the Communists and the Nazis gained the most strength, while the Socialists and center parties suffered a sharp setback. In the elections for president of the republic, Marshal Hindenburg was elected. Facing a difficult problem and pressured by businessmen and conservative groups, Hindenburg named Hitler head of the government in January 1933.

The Elimination of Opposition

In a few months, the Nazis' first action was to eliminate opposition parties. The Nazi government took advantage of the situation to legalize all political parties and unions except the Nazi party. Furthermore, Hitler eliminated those who could oppose him within his own party. In August of that year, Hindenburg died, and Hitler also became president of the republic, thus accumulating the three main positions: head of state, head of government, and leader of the sole legal political party.