The condition that enabled dictators to rise to power in the interwar period Flashcards
The rise of dictatorships after WW1
Characteristics and features of dictatorships?
During the worst of times, democracy is difficult to maintain as a result of nationalism, racist thinking, minority issues and economic catastrophe.
Thus, emerged the formation of dictatorships; a state where the government (or single person) maintains absolute rule. person most commonly being either a skilled political operator, charismatic demagogue or blatantly opportunistic and are able to manipulate situations to their own advantage.
What happened in the pre-war period?
The pre-World War One era in Europe was often seen as peaceful and culturally vibrant, but it harbored seeds of future turmoil. Rapid population growth, technological advancements, and progress towards representative government were countered by challenges such as growing attacks on the democratic system and the rise of far-right movements espousing racist and nationalist ideologies. These factors ultimately contributed to the emergence of inter-war dictatorships, undermining the prospects for effective democracy post-war.
What was the impact of war?
World War One entrenched authoritarian powers within governments, leading to a pervasive brutality in European society. The war’s violence and impact reached every corner of society, from soldiers on the front lines to civilians influenced by propaganda and censorship on the home front.
What was the economic, political, and social conditions that enabled dictators to rise?
Economic:
Economies struggling to repair themselves after ww1 - Great depression in 1929 affected every economy - unemployment 6 million
Political:
Downfall of royal families and Authoritarian rule - Brith of democracy for many nations - economic issues made democracy seem unassertive
instability
revolt/rebellion
challenges to power
Social:
Rising discontent
Fear
Demand for change and for change to be reflected in the government
what was the Impact of the Paris peace conference for Japan?
wanted to gain respect from European powers but was rejected a “racial equality” clause - Japan also had concerns about the growing influence of America in the Pacific - Expected to gain land but was refused in TOV → This lead to anti-democratic nationalistic militarism in Japan
What was the Impact of the Paris Peace conference for Italy?
wanted respect from European allies after the war, pre-war promises of territories were denied → Italy felt they fought for nothing this fuelled nationalism and they looked toward Mussolini to raise the nation’s pride
What is Constitutional dictatorship?
Traditional elites would maintain existing institutions and did not eradicate the opposition, but only strongly enforced their power during emergency crises.
What is Authoritarian dictatorship?
Often in the form of presidential dictatorship, pursued defensive goals in foreign policy and territorial consolidation. It allowed no opposition. Dictatorships like such were often led by a military figure or monarch
What is Totalitarian dictatorship?
This was the most extreme form of dictatorship, where measures such as fear, censorship, mass controlling and manipulation were all employed to maintain order within a society.
