The Rise of Totalitarian Regimes: Interwar Crises in Germany, Italy, and Russia

Fascist Italy: Foreign Policy Shift

The shift in international politics produced a change in foreign policy, leading Italy to abandon its former allies and align itself with Hitler's Germany. Furthermore, rearmament took place, Italy invaded Abyssinia, and intervened in the Spanish Civil War.

German Nazism and the Weimar Republic (1919–1933)

The birth of Nazism occurred during the democratic Germany of the Weimar Republic. After the defeat in the war and the abdication of Wilhelm II, a provisional government was formed that called elections for the Constituent Assembly. This assembly promulgated the 1919 Constitution, making Germany a federal republic. This republic went through three phases:

Phase 1: Crisis and Instability (1919–1923)

This phase coincides with the imposition of the Versailles Treaty, resulting in a severe economic crisis. In parallel, there was a time of political instability:

• Attacks by the Communist left, notably the "Bloody Week" in Munich and Berlin.
• Attacks by the nationalist right-wing, responsible for the failed Beer Hall Putsch in Munich in 1923, led by Nazi ideas, which resulted in Hitler's imprisonment.

Phase 2: Stabilization of the Republic (1924–1929)

This was a phase of economic recovery, mainly thanks to the help provided by the U.S. through the Dawes Plan. It also signaled the end of isolation, reconciliation with France after the Congress of Locarno, and Germany's entry into the League of Nations in 1926.

Phase 3: The Great Depression and Nazi Rise (1929 Onward)

The stabilizing situation was interrupted by the Crash of 1929, which directly affected Germany due to its dependence on American capital. This caused the closure and bankruptcy of banks and factories. Consequently, there was a great rise of the Nazi party, which obtained a large majority in the elections of 1932. Given this result, President Hindenburg appointed Hitler Chancellor.

The Russian Revolution of 1905

The Tsarist army was defeated by Japanese troops. Key events included:

• "Bloody Sunday": A peaceful demonstration marched to the palace of the Tsar to ask for reforms and the establishment of a Duma.
• The election of the Duma via universal suffrage temporarily made Russia a parliamentary monarchy. However, the Tsar often governed without the Duma.
• In 1914, Russia entered World War I (WWI). The country was unprepared, and military defeat created great discomfort, leading to strikes and demonstrations.