Russian Revolution & Italian Fascism: Rise to Power

The Russian Revolution

During the era of the Tsars, a select few enjoyed wealth and favorable living conditions, while peasants endured meager wages. Ultimately, the people prevailed, initiating a revolution that led to the Bolsheviks, led by URS Lenin, establishing the Social Democratic Party.

Stalin's Era

The Bolsheviks formed the Red Army. Internal conflicts within the Bolshevik party led to its renaming as the Communist Party. The Soviet Union consolidated power, becoming a single-party state where other parties were excluded. Following the USSR's creation, a struggle for totalitarian power ensued.

Lenin's Death and Power Struggles

Lenin died during a period of debate on consolidating the revolution, marked by internal clashes.

Stalinism and its Impact

Stalinism imposed a collective economy and society with the aim of becoming a global superpower. This resulted in rapid industrialization but agricultural stagnation. Stalin exercised a true dictatorship, with the Communist Party controlling all state organs. His policies were contrary to socialist ideals.

Italian Fascism

The end of the war left Italy with significant human and economic consequences. The peace agreements were a major disappointment, as the Allies' decisions created political instability in Italy.

The Rise of Fascism

Amidst this crisis, Mussolini emerged. His Black Shirts, paramilitary groups, violently suppressed the labor movement, attacking unions and their leaders. The Black Shirts evolved into the National Fascist Party. Mussolini demanded the king hand over the government, organizing a march on Rome to demonstrate his strength. The king appointed him head of government, establishing Mussolini's fascist dictatorship.

Mussolini's Regime

Mussolini's rule involved restricting freedoms and persecuting political adversaries. His rise was aided by violence and the authoritarian nature of his regime. Political parties were banned, their leaders persecuted and imprisoned, and replaced by a Fascist Chamber. Strikes were prohibited.

The Weimar Republic

As World War II neared its end, Kaiser Wilhelm resigned, and the republic was proclaimed, with its capital in Weimar. Germany had to accept military defeat and the harsh peace terms imposed by the victors. The postwar years were characterized by economic crisis, poverty, and unemployment for Germany. The republic struggled to cope with these economic hardships and the population's discontent.