Hitler and Mussolini: Domestic Policies

Question 1

Context

Answer 1

• Mussolini in power 1922-43
• Hitler in power 1933-45
• Both fascist leaders of single-party states
• Both discontented with ToV
• Both have grand visions of glory
• Both have idealistic views of fascist ideology
• both want a fully fascist nation, and neither will achieve it

Question 2

Ideology and Social Aims

Answer 2

• Nationalism and State Centralism
• Nation Expansion in Foreign Policy
• Militarism
• Anti-Individualist

Question 3

Specific to Hitler

Answer 3

• ‘Volksmeinschaff’ everyone has a purpose contributing to society
• Racial Theory and Anti-Semitism

Question 4

Specific to Mussolini

Answer 4

• Pragmatic and Flexible “only maniacs never change”
• Changed fascism left to right 1919-21
• Disparate nation of Italian Fascism
• Historians can’t identify exact aims, but point to ‘window dressing’
• Broad aim to create new Italian, heroic, selfless and nationalistic

Question 5

Italy - Education and Youth - “Cult of Youth”

Answer 5

• 1926 national youth movement
• 1932 membership compulsory
• 40% never joined
• Sons of the she wolf for 4-8
• Baillia( ONB) for 8-14
• Avenguardista for 14-18
• All have specific uniforms

Question 6

Germany - Education and Youth - “Cult of Youth”

Answer 6

• ‘Hitler Youth’ starting at 4 years old
• Gender-specific activities
• 1936 compulsory
• Evidence of disillusion
• Youth opposition groups challenged regime