4.1.3 The Emergence of Fascism

Fascism is an ideology that rejects liberal democracy in favour of an authoritarian government. After World War I, two countries in particular - Italy and Germany rejected liberalism in favour of this fascist ideologies.

How did the people of Germany reject the liberal democracy that came to power at the end of World War I to support Hitler and the fascist Nazi party by 1933?

Germany had been a powerful empire before World War I (1914-1918), ruled by Kaiser Wilhelm II who was intent on expanding Germany and its international power.

The French postcard to the left shows the negative feelings in much of Europe towards the Kaiser and Germany because of their expansionist policies.

Although Germany was not the only country to blame for World War I, anti-German sentiments became even stronger after its defeat. When Germany was defeated, Wilhelm was forced to step down.

Treaty of Versailles:  At the end of World War I, more than 16 million people were dead and Europe was in ruins. The war ended with the Treaty of Versailles. The victorious nations (primarily France, Great Britain, and United States) wanted to prevent a war of this scale from re-occurring. They wanted to ensure that Germany would never have military power again.

The terms of the treaty included the following:

• German admission of guilt for causing World War I
• Permanent loss of German territory
• German payment of heavy reparations-in today's terms, over US$400 billion
• Limits of the German army 100 000 soldiers and German navy to 15 000 men and few vessels, and no military equipment to be manufactured or imported
• The Rhineland (bordering France, Belgium, and Netherlands) to be demilitarized
• Kaiser Wilhelm to be tried as a war criminal

Economists estimate that in today's terms, the Treaty of Versailles would have taken until 1988 to repay. In fact, Germany finished repaying the damages in 2010.

Weimar Republic:  After World War I, Germany became a parliamentary democracy based on liberal principles, including free and open elections and the freedom to establish and belong to any political party. An elected president was the head of state, and the Reichstag was their new parliament. However, the democratic Weimar Republic (Germany, 1919 to 1933) did not gain the trust of German citizens.

Many Germans were angry with the government for signing a treaty that they believed stood in the way of their economic success as individuals and a nation. Some, such as Adolf Hitler, believed they should not have admitted defeat in World War I and that the German army had a strong chance of winning that war.

The shame they felt as a nation was demoralizing. Fear of communism, political extremism, hostility from the victors of World War I, and a faltering economy all presented challenges.

Notice the archival photo of Germans protesting the 'brutal peace' brought on by the Treaty of Versailles in front of the Reichstag May 15, 1919.

Between 1919-1933, an increasing number of Germans supported Hitler's National Socialist Party. Why?

The brown-beige shaded area shows the borders of Weimar Germany in 1919.

Please read and watch the video on The Aftermath of WWI and the Rise of Nazism.

The Rise of the Nazi Party:
Adolf Hitler was a powerful public speaker and the leader of the National Socialist Party. He was able to capitalize on the anger of the German people towards the Treaty of Versailles and the perceived failure of the Weimar Republic to improve the lives of ordinary people. He drew upon common suspicions of the Jews who many blamed for the financial crisis and the rise of communism. He inspired hope and confidence in the Germans by promising them not only employment and economic success but also a return to the traditions of the past and what many saw as their rightful place as a powerful Third Reich, or third empire.

Don't be fooled though - the Nazi party was not left wing or socialist as we have studied it. In fact, it was a far, right wing violent ideology.

Nazi is short for the National Socialist German Worker's Party

Fascism as an ideology first found a foothold in post WWI Italy before being adopted by the Nazi Party in Germany.

Benito Mussolini became Prime Minister of Italy in 1922 and remained in power until 1943. Mussolini called himself 'Il Duce'
(the leader). Italian fascism included elements of nationalism, corporatism, expansionism, social progress, and anti-communism, using techniques of propaganda and censorship to retain control of the people.

During his time in jail, Hitler learned wrote his infamous book Mein Kampf or 'My Struggle'. By publishing this text, Hitler's views gained more exposure.

Hitler was eventually pardoned in 1925. The failed coup led Hitler to enter politics and gain power through legitimate means.

It took several years, but by 1928, Hitler and his Nazi party began to make steady gains in national elections. 

Although the German government prospered until the Great Depression began in 1929, the depression had a negative effect on Germany. Crippling war reparations combined with the desire of the German people to redeem themselves internationally made Germany vulnerable to a strong leader who promised them hope, even if it meant the loss of some freedom.

As you read, take notes on the following: