Rise of Dictatorships and the Path to Democracy in Europe

1. Fascism and Nazism

1.1 The Fascist Regime in Italy

1921: Mussolini forms the National Fascist Party.

1922: With the support of King Victor Emmanuel III, Mussolini becomes prime minister.

1925: Mussolini establishes a dictatorship.

• Bans other political parties and persecutes opponents.
• Implements public works programs to reduce unemployment.
• Expands Italy's colonial empire by invading Abyssinia in 1935.

1.2 Nazi Germany

1920s: Hitler becomes leader of the Nazi Party.

1934: Hitler establishes the Third Reich.

• Bans other political parties and trade unions.
• Creates the Gestapo to eliminate opposition.
• Implements public works programs to address unemployment.
• Pursues an expansionist foreign policy to regain lost territory.
• Promotes the idea of German racial superiority.
• Persecutes Jewish people.

1.3 Women Under Nazi and Fascist Regimes

• Considered inferior to men.
• Expected to stay home and have many children.
• Tasked with teaching children Nazi/Fascist values.

2. Spain: Dictatorship and Democracy

2.1 The Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera

1923: General Primo de Rivera leads a military coup against the Spanish government during the reign of Alfonso XIII, arguing that only a dictatorship could solve the country's problems.

Initially, various sectors of society, including the army, church, business owners, and even trade unions, support the dictatorship, hoping for restored order and labor reforms.

Primo de Rivera's Patriotic Union becomes the only official political party.

• The government suppresses protests, regionalist movements, and anarchist organizations.
• More troops are sent to Morocco, and in 1926, Spain declares victory in the Rif War.

By 1928, opposition to the dictatorship grows, with calls to restore the Cortes and resistance to censorship policies.

1929: The Great Depression begins, leading to increased unemployment and social conflict.

1930: Primo de Rivera resigns.

2.2 The Second Republic

1931: Municipal elections result in a republican-socialist coalition victory in most cities, leading to the declaration of the Second Republic and the adoption of the Constitution of 1931.

2.2.1 Left-Wing Governments (1931-1933)

Republicans, led by Manuel Azaña, take power. Alcalá-Zamora becomes President.

• Territorial Reforms: A statute of autonomy is granted to Catalonia.
• Land Reform: Large agricultural estates are expropriated and redistributed to landless farmers.
• Education Reforms: Public education becomes free, compulsory, and secular.
• Labor Reforms: Businesses are required to negotiate working conditions and wages with trade unions.
• Military Reforms: The number of officers is reduced.

Protests erupt from groups at both ends of the political spectrum, including the CNT and FAI on the left, and the Falange on the right.