TN History Textbook: Rise of Fascism and Nazism | Old & New NCERTs for IAS Preparation (Must Read) - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


315 314
 Economic Condition
During the war, Italy was forced to spend huge amount more
than her national income. Unemployment prevailed. People believed
that government was responsible for such a situation. They wanted
n alternative government.  The  rise of the Fascist Party was also a
result of above dissatisfaction.
Spread of Socialism
The unemployment problem, poverty and inflation helped the
spread of Socialism.  The believers in Marxism had a political party
called Social Democrats of Italy.  In the 1919 election they gained
156 seats out of 574.  This party helped a lot for the rise and
development of Fascism in Italy.
Rise of Mussolini
 Benito Mussolini was the originator of the idea of Fascism.
He was born in 1883.  Mussolini’s father an ironsmith, was a follower
of Socialism.  Hence, Mussolini was influenced
by the socialistic ideology.  He was a school
teacher a trade unionist and a journalist.  He was
imprisoned in 1908 for revolutionary ideas.  In
1912 he started the editing of Avanthi, a socialist
journal. He was a bitter opponent of the Church.
When the First World War broke out, the
Italian Government decided not to take part in the
War. But Mussolini propagated that the Italian Government should
immediately join the war in favour of the Allies.  For that Mussolini
was punished.  But later Italy was forced to join  the war on the side
of the Allies.  As a result Mussolini became popular. He also
participated in the war as a soldier.
The Bolshevik Revolution took place in Russia in 1917. The
people of Italy also were influenced by the revolution.  The
MUSSOLINI 
Mussolini and the Fascist Italy
Causes for the Growth of Fascism in Italy
Italy attended the Paris Peace Conference with great
expectations.  The secret Treaty of London which was signed in
1915 with the Allies gave Italy great hope.  At Paris, Orlando
presented the demands of Italy.  But the US President Woodrow
Wilson rejected the Treaty of London.  Italian claims over territories
on the Adriatic Sea, some Turkish provinces and Albania in the Balkan
were all turned down.  Thus Italy gained nothing in the Paris Peace
Conference.  “Italy had won the war but had lost peace”.
Italy was disappointed.  The representatives of Italy were forced
to  boycott the conference.  They  felt that the Allies had purposely
deceived Italy. This discontentment created a feeling of revolt among
the middle class youth.  They decided to form an organization and
unite in order to avenge their national humiliation and treachery.
LESSON 30
RISE OF FASCISM AND NAZISM
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The rise of Fascism in Italy and its causes.
2. Mussolini’s foreign policy.
3. The rise of Nazism in Germany and the factors contributed
to it.
4. Hitler’s foreign policy and its effects.
Page 2


315 314
 Economic Condition
During the war, Italy was forced to spend huge amount more
than her national income. Unemployment prevailed. People believed
that government was responsible for such a situation. They wanted
n alternative government.  The  rise of the Fascist Party was also a
result of above dissatisfaction.
Spread of Socialism
The unemployment problem, poverty and inflation helped the
spread of Socialism.  The believers in Marxism had a political party
called Social Democrats of Italy.  In the 1919 election they gained
156 seats out of 574.  This party helped a lot for the rise and
development of Fascism in Italy.
Rise of Mussolini
 Benito Mussolini was the originator of the idea of Fascism.
He was born in 1883.  Mussolini’s father an ironsmith, was a follower
of Socialism.  Hence, Mussolini was influenced
by the socialistic ideology.  He was a school
teacher a trade unionist and a journalist.  He was
imprisoned in 1908 for revolutionary ideas.  In
1912 he started the editing of Avanthi, a socialist
journal. He was a bitter opponent of the Church.
When the First World War broke out, the
Italian Government decided not to take part in the
War. But Mussolini propagated that the Italian Government should
immediately join the war in favour of the Allies.  For that Mussolini
was punished.  But later Italy was forced to join  the war on the side
of the Allies.  As a result Mussolini became popular. He also
participated in the war as a soldier.
The Bolshevik Revolution took place in Russia in 1917. The
people of Italy also were influenced by the revolution.  The
MUSSOLINI 
Mussolini and the Fascist Italy
Causes for the Growth of Fascism in Italy
Italy attended the Paris Peace Conference with great
expectations.  The secret Treaty of London which was signed in
1915 with the Allies gave Italy great hope.  At Paris, Orlando
presented the demands of Italy.  But the US President Woodrow
Wilson rejected the Treaty of London.  Italian claims over territories
on the Adriatic Sea, some Turkish provinces and Albania in the Balkan
were all turned down.  Thus Italy gained nothing in the Paris Peace
Conference.  “Italy had won the war but had lost peace”.
Italy was disappointed.  The representatives of Italy were forced
to  boycott the conference.  They  felt that the Allies had purposely
deceived Italy. This discontentment created a feeling of revolt among
the middle class youth.  They decided to form an organization and
unite in order to avenge their national humiliation and treachery.
LESSON 30
RISE OF FASCISM AND NAZISM
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The rise of Fascism in Italy and its causes.
2. Mussolini’s foreign policy.
3. The rise of Nazism in Germany and the factors contributed
to it.
4. Hitler’s foreign policy and its effects.
317 316
 Mussolini as the Prime Minster of Italy
Mussolini was an action oriented Prime Minister. He took the
following steps for the reorganization of administration.
" The dacoits living in the interiors of Naples and Sicily were
crushed.
" The economic and social conditions of the labourers were
improved.
" Trade Unions were abolished.
" The entire powers of the Parliament were snatched.
" Members faithful to the leader alone were appointed as
ministers and officers.
Elections were conducted under the basis of the changed law.
The Fascist Party got a complete majority in the National Parliament.
After elections, Mussolini adopted some measures to crush opponents.
! All local bodies were suspended.
! Only Fascist lawyers were allowed to practice.
! In 1926, all political parties were banned.
! The cabinet system of government came to an end.
! Freedom of the Press was curtailed.
! Unlimited powers were given to the police department.
! Members of the opposition parties were imprisoned.
Mussolini as the Dictator
Rule of one leader and one party was the ideology of Fascism.
He had no faith in democracy and hated the majority. He believed in
the supremacy of the state.  The individual had no right.  The individual
was merely a means to recognise the existence of the state.
communists of Italy also were planning for a massive revolution.
Mussolini, who was a staunch opponent of Bolshevism, decided to
start a new party to fight Communism.  In march 1919 the Fascist
Party was established under his leadership. The members wore
black shirts and were equipped with arms.  The party had its own
flag. The members were well disciplined and Mussolini was their
chief commander.
In the first party convention of Milan, Mussolini announced the
programmes and Charter of demands of the party. They were:
·Nationalisation of factories
·Confiscation of surplus money from the capitalists
·Universal Franchise
·Forfeiture of the Church property
·Eight hours work in factories
·Framing of a new constitution.
These demands of the Fascist Party soon achieved popularity
in Italy.  The number of members increased very rapidly.  In 1919
there were only seventeen thousand members in the party. The
number increased to 3 lakhs in 1922. The Fascists captured the offices
of the Socialist and the Communist parties by force.
In October 1922, the Fascist Party had its party convention at
Naples.  A Charter of Demands was passed at the convention.  They
include induction of Fascist members in the Cabinet, new election to
the Legislatures and the adoption of a vigorous foreign policy. But
the government refused to concede.  The Fascists therefore marched
on to Rome, under the leadership of Mussolini.  They captured all the
government officers.  The government asked the king Victor
Immanuel III to promulgate martial law.  Mussolini was invited to
form the ministry.
Page 3


315 314
 Economic Condition
During the war, Italy was forced to spend huge amount more
than her national income. Unemployment prevailed. People believed
that government was responsible for such a situation. They wanted
n alternative government.  The  rise of the Fascist Party was also a
result of above dissatisfaction.
Spread of Socialism
The unemployment problem, poverty and inflation helped the
spread of Socialism.  The believers in Marxism had a political party
called Social Democrats of Italy.  In the 1919 election they gained
156 seats out of 574.  This party helped a lot for the rise and
development of Fascism in Italy.
Rise of Mussolini
 Benito Mussolini was the originator of the idea of Fascism.
He was born in 1883.  Mussolini’s father an ironsmith, was a follower
of Socialism.  Hence, Mussolini was influenced
by the socialistic ideology.  He was a school
teacher a trade unionist and a journalist.  He was
imprisoned in 1908 for revolutionary ideas.  In
1912 he started the editing of Avanthi, a socialist
journal. He was a bitter opponent of the Church.
When the First World War broke out, the
Italian Government decided not to take part in the
War. But Mussolini propagated that the Italian Government should
immediately join the war in favour of the Allies.  For that Mussolini
was punished.  But later Italy was forced to join  the war on the side
of the Allies.  As a result Mussolini became popular. He also
participated in the war as a soldier.
The Bolshevik Revolution took place in Russia in 1917. The
people of Italy also were influenced by the revolution.  The
MUSSOLINI 
Mussolini and the Fascist Italy
Causes for the Growth of Fascism in Italy
Italy attended the Paris Peace Conference with great
expectations.  The secret Treaty of London which was signed in
1915 with the Allies gave Italy great hope.  At Paris, Orlando
presented the demands of Italy.  But the US President Woodrow
Wilson rejected the Treaty of London.  Italian claims over territories
on the Adriatic Sea, some Turkish provinces and Albania in the Balkan
were all turned down.  Thus Italy gained nothing in the Paris Peace
Conference.  “Italy had won the war but had lost peace”.
Italy was disappointed.  The representatives of Italy were forced
to  boycott the conference.  They  felt that the Allies had purposely
deceived Italy. This discontentment created a feeling of revolt among
the middle class youth.  They decided to form an organization and
unite in order to avenge their national humiliation and treachery.
LESSON 30
RISE OF FASCISM AND NAZISM
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The rise of Fascism in Italy and its causes.
2. Mussolini’s foreign policy.
3. The rise of Nazism in Germany and the factors contributed
to it.
4. Hitler’s foreign policy and its effects.
317 316
 Mussolini as the Prime Minster of Italy
Mussolini was an action oriented Prime Minister. He took the
following steps for the reorganization of administration.
" The dacoits living in the interiors of Naples and Sicily were
crushed.
" The economic and social conditions of the labourers were
improved.
" Trade Unions were abolished.
" The entire powers of the Parliament were snatched.
" Members faithful to the leader alone were appointed as
ministers and officers.
Elections were conducted under the basis of the changed law.
The Fascist Party got a complete majority in the National Parliament.
After elections, Mussolini adopted some measures to crush opponents.
! All local bodies were suspended.
! Only Fascist lawyers were allowed to practice.
! In 1926, all political parties were banned.
! The cabinet system of government came to an end.
! Freedom of the Press was curtailed.
! Unlimited powers were given to the police department.
! Members of the opposition parties were imprisoned.
Mussolini as the Dictator
Rule of one leader and one party was the ideology of Fascism.
He had no faith in democracy and hated the majority. He believed in
the supremacy of the state.  The individual had no right.  The individual
was merely a means to recognise the existence of the state.
communists of Italy also were planning for a massive revolution.
Mussolini, who was a staunch opponent of Bolshevism, decided to
start a new party to fight Communism.  In march 1919 the Fascist
Party was established under his leadership. The members wore
black shirts and were equipped with arms.  The party had its own
flag. The members were well disciplined and Mussolini was their
chief commander.
In the first party convention of Milan, Mussolini announced the
programmes and Charter of demands of the party. They were:
·Nationalisation of factories
·Confiscation of surplus money from the capitalists
·Universal Franchise
·Forfeiture of the Church property
·Eight hours work in factories
·Framing of a new constitution.
These demands of the Fascist Party soon achieved popularity
in Italy.  The number of members increased very rapidly.  In 1919
there were only seventeen thousand members in the party. The
number increased to 3 lakhs in 1922. The Fascists captured the offices
of the Socialist and the Communist parties by force.
In October 1922, the Fascist Party had its party convention at
Naples.  A Charter of Demands was passed at the convention.  They
include induction of Fascist members in the Cabinet, new election to
the Legislatures and the adoption of a vigorous foreign policy. But
the government refused to concede.  The Fascists therefore marched
on to Rome, under the leadership of Mussolini.  They captured all the
government officers.  The government asked the king Victor
Immanuel III to promulgate martial law.  Mussolini was invited to
form the ministry.
319 318
Economic Crisis
The post war Germany posed a disastrous financial crisis. For
the payment of reparation, the government was forced to take loans.
Factories were closed.  Trade and commerce were deteriorating.
Heavy taxes were imposed.  To meat the financial crisis the
government had no other option but to issue more and more paper
currencies.  This resulted into inflation.  Unemployment was rampant.
Reparation
According to the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles,
Germany, which was held responsible for the First World War, had to
pay a heavy amount of  compensation.  The Reparation Commission
fixed the amount as 660 million pounds.  There was opposition against
these provisions.  Most of them argued that, since Germany was not
responsible for World War I, there was no need to pay the heavy
amount of war indemnity.
Dawes Plan
The financial crisis in Germany forced the Weimar Republic to
make an appeal to the allies for the reduction of the amount of
reparation.  As a result a committee consisting of ten  members was
formed under the chairmanship of Dawes, an eminent finance
specialist of U.S.A. The committee made some amendments to the
provision of the Treaty of Versailles. This known as Dawes Plan
The financial burden of Germany was reduced to certain level.  When
the problem of reparation again appeared in 1929 the Young
Committee made a plan to solve it.
Hitler and the Nazi Germany
Adolph Hitler was born in April 1889 in a very humble family
in an Austrian village.  On account of poverty he could not get proper
education.  His father wanted to make his son a government
NAZISM IN GERMANY
After the First World War, harsh peace was imposed on
Germany and other defeated countries. This had created intense
nationalist upsurge in Germany. The economic breakdown and the
rise of socialist parties paved the way for the rise of Hitler and Nazism
in Germany. Similarly such situation arose in Italy and Japan. This
resulted in the Axis formation. The aggressive foreign policy of Hitler
led to the Second World War.
Germany at the End of World War I
At the end of the World War I, the German King  William was
forced to abdicate A republic was proclaimed in Germany. Friedrich
Ebert, the leader of the Social - Democratic Party formed a
temporary government. This was followed by an election to the
Constituent Assembly.  The Social Democratic Party emerged as
the largest  party.  The session of the Constituent Assembly was
held in the city of Weimar. A new constitution was drafted. This is
known as Weimar Constitution.
The Revolt  of the Royalists
The Treaty of V ersailles was very harsh and humiliating to Germany.
It suffered territorial loss. The policy of disarmament was imposed.  The
war reparation was enormous.  Germany was held responsible for the
World War. This affected the sentiments of the Germans. A group of
people opposed the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
In March 1920, the royalists under the leadership of Dr. Kapp
revolted.  But he failed and surrendered before the republican
government. The second such revolt was led by Ludendorff.  He
was assisted by Hitler.  Ludendorff and Hitler were arrested and
imprisoned for 5 years.  It was during this jail life, Hitler wrote the
famous book  Mein Kampf which later became the Bible of the
Nazi party.
Page 4


315 314
 Economic Condition
During the war, Italy was forced to spend huge amount more
than her national income. Unemployment prevailed. People believed
that government was responsible for such a situation. They wanted
n alternative government.  The  rise of the Fascist Party was also a
result of above dissatisfaction.
Spread of Socialism
The unemployment problem, poverty and inflation helped the
spread of Socialism.  The believers in Marxism had a political party
called Social Democrats of Italy.  In the 1919 election they gained
156 seats out of 574.  This party helped a lot for the rise and
development of Fascism in Italy.
Rise of Mussolini
 Benito Mussolini was the originator of the idea of Fascism.
He was born in 1883.  Mussolini’s father an ironsmith, was a follower
of Socialism.  Hence, Mussolini was influenced
by the socialistic ideology.  He was a school
teacher a trade unionist and a journalist.  He was
imprisoned in 1908 for revolutionary ideas.  In
1912 he started the editing of Avanthi, a socialist
journal. He was a bitter opponent of the Church.
When the First World War broke out, the
Italian Government decided not to take part in the
War. But Mussolini propagated that the Italian Government should
immediately join the war in favour of the Allies.  For that Mussolini
was punished.  But later Italy was forced to join  the war on the side
of the Allies.  As a result Mussolini became popular. He also
participated in the war as a soldier.
The Bolshevik Revolution took place in Russia in 1917. The
people of Italy also were influenced by the revolution.  The
MUSSOLINI 
Mussolini and the Fascist Italy
Causes for the Growth of Fascism in Italy
Italy attended the Paris Peace Conference with great
expectations.  The secret Treaty of London which was signed in
1915 with the Allies gave Italy great hope.  At Paris, Orlando
presented the demands of Italy.  But the US President Woodrow
Wilson rejected the Treaty of London.  Italian claims over territories
on the Adriatic Sea, some Turkish provinces and Albania in the Balkan
were all turned down.  Thus Italy gained nothing in the Paris Peace
Conference.  “Italy had won the war but had lost peace”.
Italy was disappointed.  The representatives of Italy were forced
to  boycott the conference.  They  felt that the Allies had purposely
deceived Italy. This discontentment created a feeling of revolt among
the middle class youth.  They decided to form an organization and
unite in order to avenge their national humiliation and treachery.
LESSON 30
RISE OF FASCISM AND NAZISM
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The rise of Fascism in Italy and its causes.
2. Mussolini’s foreign policy.
3. The rise of Nazism in Germany and the factors contributed
to it.
4. Hitler’s foreign policy and its effects.
317 316
 Mussolini as the Prime Minster of Italy
Mussolini was an action oriented Prime Minister. He took the
following steps for the reorganization of administration.
" The dacoits living in the interiors of Naples and Sicily were
crushed.
" The economic and social conditions of the labourers were
improved.
" Trade Unions were abolished.
" The entire powers of the Parliament were snatched.
" Members faithful to the leader alone were appointed as
ministers and officers.
Elections were conducted under the basis of the changed law.
The Fascist Party got a complete majority in the National Parliament.
After elections, Mussolini adopted some measures to crush opponents.
! All local bodies were suspended.
! Only Fascist lawyers were allowed to practice.
! In 1926, all political parties were banned.
! The cabinet system of government came to an end.
! Freedom of the Press was curtailed.
! Unlimited powers were given to the police department.
! Members of the opposition parties were imprisoned.
Mussolini as the Dictator
Rule of one leader and one party was the ideology of Fascism.
He had no faith in democracy and hated the majority. He believed in
the supremacy of the state.  The individual had no right.  The individual
was merely a means to recognise the existence of the state.
communists of Italy also were planning for a massive revolution.
Mussolini, who was a staunch opponent of Bolshevism, decided to
start a new party to fight Communism.  In march 1919 the Fascist
Party was established under his leadership. The members wore
black shirts and were equipped with arms.  The party had its own
flag. The members were well disciplined and Mussolini was their
chief commander.
In the first party convention of Milan, Mussolini announced the
programmes and Charter of demands of the party. They were:
·Nationalisation of factories
·Confiscation of surplus money from the capitalists
·Universal Franchise
·Forfeiture of the Church property
·Eight hours work in factories
·Framing of a new constitution.
These demands of the Fascist Party soon achieved popularity
in Italy.  The number of members increased very rapidly.  In 1919
there were only seventeen thousand members in the party. The
number increased to 3 lakhs in 1922. The Fascists captured the offices
of the Socialist and the Communist parties by force.
In October 1922, the Fascist Party had its party convention at
Naples.  A Charter of Demands was passed at the convention.  They
include induction of Fascist members in the Cabinet, new election to
the Legislatures and the adoption of a vigorous foreign policy. But
the government refused to concede.  The Fascists therefore marched
on to Rome, under the leadership of Mussolini.  They captured all the
government officers.  The government asked the king Victor
Immanuel III to promulgate martial law.  Mussolini was invited to
form the ministry.
319 318
Economic Crisis
The post war Germany posed a disastrous financial crisis. For
the payment of reparation, the government was forced to take loans.
Factories were closed.  Trade and commerce were deteriorating.
Heavy taxes were imposed.  To meat the financial crisis the
government had no other option but to issue more and more paper
currencies.  This resulted into inflation.  Unemployment was rampant.
Reparation
According to the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles,
Germany, which was held responsible for the First World War, had to
pay a heavy amount of  compensation.  The Reparation Commission
fixed the amount as 660 million pounds.  There was opposition against
these provisions.  Most of them argued that, since Germany was not
responsible for World War I, there was no need to pay the heavy
amount of war indemnity.
Dawes Plan
The financial crisis in Germany forced the Weimar Republic to
make an appeal to the allies for the reduction of the amount of
reparation.  As a result a committee consisting of ten  members was
formed under the chairmanship of Dawes, an eminent finance
specialist of U.S.A. The committee made some amendments to the
provision of the Treaty of Versailles. This known as Dawes Plan
The financial burden of Germany was reduced to certain level.  When
the problem of reparation again appeared in 1929 the Young
Committee made a plan to solve it.
Hitler and the Nazi Germany
Adolph Hitler was born in April 1889 in a very humble family
in an Austrian village.  On account of poverty he could not get proper
education.  His father wanted to make his son a government
NAZISM IN GERMANY
After the First World War, harsh peace was imposed on
Germany and other defeated countries. This had created intense
nationalist upsurge in Germany. The economic breakdown and the
rise of socialist parties paved the way for the rise of Hitler and Nazism
in Germany. Similarly such situation arose in Italy and Japan. This
resulted in the Axis formation. The aggressive foreign policy of Hitler
led to the Second World War.
Germany at the End of World War I
At the end of the World War I, the German King  William was
forced to abdicate A republic was proclaimed in Germany. Friedrich
Ebert, the leader of the Social - Democratic Party formed a
temporary government. This was followed by an election to the
Constituent Assembly.  The Social Democratic Party emerged as
the largest  party.  The session of the Constituent Assembly was
held in the city of Weimar. A new constitution was drafted. This is
known as Weimar Constitution.
The Revolt  of the Royalists
The Treaty of V ersailles was very harsh and humiliating to Germany.
It suffered territorial loss. The policy of disarmament was imposed.  The
war reparation was enormous.  Germany was held responsible for the
World War. This affected the sentiments of the Germans. A group of
people opposed the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
In March 1920, the royalists under the leadership of Dr. Kapp
revolted.  But he failed and surrendered before the republican
government. The second such revolt was led by Ludendorff.  He
was assisted by Hitler.  Ludendorff and Hitler were arrested and
imprisoned for 5 years.  It was during this jail life, Hitler wrote the
famous book  Mein Kampf which later became the Bible of the
Nazi party.
321 320
In 1932, Hitler contested for the post of President. But he was
defeated with a few votes against Hindenburg. But in the general
election conducted    in the same year, his party became the largest
party in the parliament.  According to the provisions of the constitution
as a leader of the majority party in the Reichstag, Hitler was made
the Chancellor.  Thus he formed the Nazi Government.
He established the dictatorship of the Nazi Party. Communist
party was banned and its leaders were arrested.  The civil rights of
the people were suspended. The Weimar Republic came to an end.
Hitler declared the establishment of the Third Reich.  The flag of the
Nazi Party became the National flag.  The Parliament was dissolved.
The powers of the parliament were transferred to Hitler.
Anti- Jew Policy
In Germany, the Jews enjoyed a privileged position due to their
wealth and education.  He believed that they were anti- nationals.
Hitler now made several efforts to crush the Jews.  Anti- Jew Laws
were passed.  They were denied German citizenship.  He adopted
very harsh and repressive measures for the economic and cultural
boycott of the Jews.
Military Reforms
Hitler reorganised his military on the basis of German
nationality.  Germans alone were admitted into the military service.
He established a totalitarian type of government so that he could
follow an aggressive foreign policy.
Foreign Policy of Hitler
Hitler did not approve the Treaty of Versailles.  It was a dictated
peace.  Hence it was a humiliating one.  The German people accepted
the policy of Hitler and accepted him as their leader. The important
aspects of his foreign policy are given below.
employee. But Hitler was very fond of art from
his early days.  So he went to Vienna at the
age of 18 to learn the art of painting and
architecture.  While he was in Vienna, he
happened to witness the behavior of the Jews.
He felt that the Jews were the moral enemies
of individualism, nationalism and racialism.
Further he felt that the Jews were the
supporters of the Marxian ideology.  Thus his
anti- Jews ideas developed at very early age.
Hitler was opposed to democracy and believed
in the supremacy of the German race.
During the First World War Hitler joined
the army and participated in the war. In
recognition of his service and bravery shown during the war, he was
honoured with the award of the ‘Iron Cross’. He believed that the
Jews and the communists were responsible for the defeat of Germany.
He therefore undertook a programme to avenge the defeat.  He began
to work as a spy in Munich.  He also started a new party with the
cooperation of his friends.  National Socialist German Labour
Party was launched.
Nazi Party
To carryout his programmes, Hitler started the National
Socialist Party or Nazi Party.  ‘Swastika’ was made the symbol of
Nazi Party. By the year 1932, the membership of the Nazi Party
increased to 70 lakhs.  To attract the young people to his party, Hitler
started ‘Hitler Young Society.’ Also he formed two military bodies.
The members were wearing brown shirts with  a red armband carrying
a black Swastika.  Another division was called as the ‘Black Shirts’.
They were the body guards of the Nazi party leaders.
HITLER 
Page 5


315 314
 Economic Condition
During the war, Italy was forced to spend huge amount more
than her national income. Unemployment prevailed. People believed
that government was responsible for such a situation. They wanted
n alternative government.  The  rise of the Fascist Party was also a
result of above dissatisfaction.
Spread of Socialism
The unemployment problem, poverty and inflation helped the
spread of Socialism.  The believers in Marxism had a political party
called Social Democrats of Italy.  In the 1919 election they gained
156 seats out of 574.  This party helped a lot for the rise and
development of Fascism in Italy.
Rise of Mussolini
 Benito Mussolini was the originator of the idea of Fascism.
He was born in 1883.  Mussolini’s father an ironsmith, was a follower
of Socialism.  Hence, Mussolini was influenced
by the socialistic ideology.  He was a school
teacher a trade unionist and a journalist.  He was
imprisoned in 1908 for revolutionary ideas.  In
1912 he started the editing of Avanthi, a socialist
journal. He was a bitter opponent of the Church.
When the First World War broke out, the
Italian Government decided not to take part in the
War. But Mussolini propagated that the Italian Government should
immediately join the war in favour of the Allies.  For that Mussolini
was punished.  But later Italy was forced to join  the war on the side
of the Allies.  As a result Mussolini became popular. He also
participated in the war as a soldier.
The Bolshevik Revolution took place in Russia in 1917. The
people of Italy also were influenced by the revolution.  The
MUSSOLINI 
Mussolini and the Fascist Italy
Causes for the Growth of Fascism in Italy
Italy attended the Paris Peace Conference with great
expectations.  The secret Treaty of London which was signed in
1915 with the Allies gave Italy great hope.  At Paris, Orlando
presented the demands of Italy.  But the US President Woodrow
Wilson rejected the Treaty of London.  Italian claims over territories
on the Adriatic Sea, some Turkish provinces and Albania in the Balkan
were all turned down.  Thus Italy gained nothing in the Paris Peace
Conference.  “Italy had won the war but had lost peace”.
Italy was disappointed.  The representatives of Italy were forced
to  boycott the conference.  They  felt that the Allies had purposely
deceived Italy. This discontentment created a feeling of revolt among
the middle class youth.  They decided to form an organization and
unite in order to avenge their national humiliation and treachery.
LESSON 30
RISE OF FASCISM AND NAZISM
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The rise of Fascism in Italy and its causes.
2. Mussolini’s foreign policy.
3. The rise of Nazism in Germany and the factors contributed
to it.
4. Hitler’s foreign policy and its effects.
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 Mussolini as the Prime Minster of Italy
Mussolini was an action oriented Prime Minister. He took the
following steps for the reorganization of administration.
" The dacoits living in the interiors of Naples and Sicily were
crushed.
" The economic and social conditions of the labourers were
improved.
" Trade Unions were abolished.
" The entire powers of the Parliament were snatched.
" Members faithful to the leader alone were appointed as
ministers and officers.
Elections were conducted under the basis of the changed law.
The Fascist Party got a complete majority in the National Parliament.
After elections, Mussolini adopted some measures to crush opponents.
! All local bodies were suspended.
! Only Fascist lawyers were allowed to practice.
! In 1926, all political parties were banned.
! The cabinet system of government came to an end.
! Freedom of the Press was curtailed.
! Unlimited powers were given to the police department.
! Members of the opposition parties were imprisoned.
Mussolini as the Dictator
Rule of one leader and one party was the ideology of Fascism.
He had no faith in democracy and hated the majority. He believed in
the supremacy of the state.  The individual had no right.  The individual
was merely a means to recognise the existence of the state.
communists of Italy also were planning for a massive revolution.
Mussolini, who was a staunch opponent of Bolshevism, decided to
start a new party to fight Communism.  In march 1919 the Fascist
Party was established under his leadership. The members wore
black shirts and were equipped with arms.  The party had its own
flag. The members were well disciplined and Mussolini was their
chief commander.
In the first party convention of Milan, Mussolini announced the
programmes and Charter of demands of the party. They were:
·Nationalisation of factories
·Confiscation of surplus money from the capitalists
·Universal Franchise
·Forfeiture of the Church property
·Eight hours work in factories
·Framing of a new constitution.
These demands of the Fascist Party soon achieved popularity
in Italy.  The number of members increased very rapidly.  In 1919
there were only seventeen thousand members in the party. The
number increased to 3 lakhs in 1922. The Fascists captured the offices
of the Socialist and the Communist parties by force.
In October 1922, the Fascist Party had its party convention at
Naples.  A Charter of Demands was passed at the convention.  They
include induction of Fascist members in the Cabinet, new election to
the Legislatures and the adoption of a vigorous foreign policy. But
the government refused to concede.  The Fascists therefore marched
on to Rome, under the leadership of Mussolini.  They captured all the
government officers.  The government asked the king Victor
Immanuel III to promulgate martial law.  Mussolini was invited to
form the ministry.
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Economic Crisis
The post war Germany posed a disastrous financial crisis. For
the payment of reparation, the government was forced to take loans.
Factories were closed.  Trade and commerce were deteriorating.
Heavy taxes were imposed.  To meat the financial crisis the
government had no other option but to issue more and more paper
currencies.  This resulted into inflation.  Unemployment was rampant.
Reparation
According to the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles,
Germany, which was held responsible for the First World War, had to
pay a heavy amount of  compensation.  The Reparation Commission
fixed the amount as 660 million pounds.  There was opposition against
these provisions.  Most of them argued that, since Germany was not
responsible for World War I, there was no need to pay the heavy
amount of war indemnity.
Dawes Plan
The financial crisis in Germany forced the Weimar Republic to
make an appeal to the allies for the reduction of the amount of
reparation.  As a result a committee consisting of ten  members was
formed under the chairmanship of Dawes, an eminent finance
specialist of U.S.A. The committee made some amendments to the
provision of the Treaty of Versailles. This known as Dawes Plan
The financial burden of Germany was reduced to certain level.  When
the problem of reparation again appeared in 1929 the Young
Committee made a plan to solve it.
Hitler and the Nazi Germany
Adolph Hitler was born in April 1889 in a very humble family
in an Austrian village.  On account of poverty he could not get proper
education.  His father wanted to make his son a government
NAZISM IN GERMANY
After the First World War, harsh peace was imposed on
Germany and other defeated countries. This had created intense
nationalist upsurge in Germany. The economic breakdown and the
rise of socialist parties paved the way for the rise of Hitler and Nazism
in Germany. Similarly such situation arose in Italy and Japan. This
resulted in the Axis formation. The aggressive foreign policy of Hitler
led to the Second World War.
Germany at the End of World War I
At the end of the World War I, the German King  William was
forced to abdicate A republic was proclaimed in Germany. Friedrich
Ebert, the leader of the Social - Democratic Party formed a
temporary government. This was followed by an election to the
Constituent Assembly.  The Social Democratic Party emerged as
the largest  party.  The session of the Constituent Assembly was
held in the city of Weimar. A new constitution was drafted. This is
known as Weimar Constitution.
The Revolt  of the Royalists
The Treaty of V ersailles was very harsh and humiliating to Germany.
It suffered territorial loss. The policy of disarmament was imposed.  The
war reparation was enormous.  Germany was held responsible for the
World War. This affected the sentiments of the Germans. A group of
people opposed the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
In March 1920, the royalists under the leadership of Dr. Kapp
revolted.  But he failed and surrendered before the republican
government. The second such revolt was led by Ludendorff.  He
was assisted by Hitler.  Ludendorff and Hitler were arrested and
imprisoned for 5 years.  It was during this jail life, Hitler wrote the
famous book  Mein Kampf which later became the Bible of the
Nazi party.
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In 1932, Hitler contested for the post of President. But he was
defeated with a few votes against Hindenburg. But in the general
election conducted    in the same year, his party became the largest
party in the parliament.  According to the provisions of the constitution
as a leader of the majority party in the Reichstag, Hitler was made
the Chancellor.  Thus he formed the Nazi Government.
He established the dictatorship of the Nazi Party. Communist
party was banned and its leaders were arrested.  The civil rights of
the people were suspended. The Weimar Republic came to an end.
Hitler declared the establishment of the Third Reich.  The flag of the
Nazi Party became the National flag.  The Parliament was dissolved.
The powers of the parliament were transferred to Hitler.
Anti- Jew Policy
In Germany, the Jews enjoyed a privileged position due to their
wealth and education.  He believed that they were anti- nationals.
Hitler now made several efforts to crush the Jews.  Anti- Jew Laws
were passed.  They were denied German citizenship.  He adopted
very harsh and repressive measures for the economic and cultural
boycott of the Jews.
Military Reforms
Hitler reorganised his military on the basis of German
nationality.  Germans alone were admitted into the military service.
He established a totalitarian type of government so that he could
follow an aggressive foreign policy.
Foreign Policy of Hitler
Hitler did not approve the Treaty of Versailles.  It was a dictated
peace.  Hence it was a humiliating one.  The German people accepted
the policy of Hitler and accepted him as their leader. The important
aspects of his foreign policy are given below.
employee. But Hitler was very fond of art from
his early days.  So he went to Vienna at the
age of 18 to learn the art of painting and
architecture.  While he was in Vienna, he
happened to witness the behavior of the Jews.
He felt that the Jews were the moral enemies
of individualism, nationalism and racialism.
Further he felt that the Jews were the
supporters of the Marxian ideology.  Thus his
anti- Jews ideas developed at very early age.
Hitler was opposed to democracy and believed
in the supremacy of the German race.
During the First World War Hitler joined
the army and participated in the war. In
recognition of his service and bravery shown during the war, he was
honoured with the award of the ‘Iron Cross’. He believed that the
Jews and the communists were responsible for the defeat of Germany.
He therefore undertook a programme to avenge the defeat.  He began
to work as a spy in Munich.  He also started a new party with the
cooperation of his friends.  National Socialist German Labour
Party was launched.
Nazi Party
To carryout his programmes, Hitler started the National
Socialist Party or Nazi Party.  ‘Swastika’ was made the symbol of
Nazi Party. By the year 1932, the membership of the Nazi Party
increased to 70 lakhs.  To attract the young people to his party, Hitler
started ‘Hitler Young Society.’ Also he formed two military bodies.
The members were wearing brown shirts with  a red armband carrying
a black Swastika.  Another division was called as the ‘Black Shirts’.
They were the body guards of the Nazi party leaders.
HITLER 
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Rome- Berlin -Tokyo Axis
In October 1936, On the basis of an agreement Germany
approved Italian control over Abyssinia and Italy granted permission
to  Hitler to annex Austria with Germany.  Hitler was antagonistic
towards Russian Communism.  Therefore Hitler in November 1936,
signed an Anti- Commintern Pact with Japan, another enemy of
Russia.  In November 1937, Italy was admitted into the alliance.
This Anti Commintern pact was otherwise called as Rome –Berlin-
Tokyo Axis. This Axis was formed against England, France and
Russia.  This was the beginning of Second World War.
Nazism grew in Germany under Hitler. It stood for aggressive
nationalism, authoritarianism and the leadership principle. On
becoming Germany’s Chancellor in 1933, Hitler undertook a
rearmament programme. His aggressive foreign policy led to the
Second World War. Similarly, Mussolini organized the Fascist
movement in Italy. He believed in dictatorship, aggressive foreign
policy and colonial policy. Thus, he emerged as the Il Duce or supreme
commander. The emergence of dictatorship in Europe paved the way
for Second World War.
Learning Outcome
After learning this lesson the students will be to explain
1. The factors led to the rise of Fascism in Italy.
2. The principles of Fascism and Mussolini’s aggressive foreign
policy.
3. Growth of Nazism in Germany and its principles.
4. Hitler’s foreign policy and the formation of Rome-Berlin-
Tokyo Axis.
5. The impact of the rise of Fascism and Nazism.
German came out of the League of Nations
Following the League of Nations Disarmament Conference on
February 3, 1932 Hitler announced the withdrawal from the League.
He started the process of rearming Germany.
Rearmament
As mentioned above, after the Geneva Disarmament
Conference, Hitler withdrew from the League of Nations.  Now he
was free to rearm Germany.  On March 16, 1935, Hitler announced
compulsory military training for all German people.  He also aimed to
have the air force equal to that of England and France. He announced
that the reason for the increase in the strength of the army was self-
defence.  But  France and England had natural suspicion over these
actions of Hitler.  Therefore they convened a meeting at Stressa in
Switzerland and condemned the behaviour of Hitler.  But their
condemnation did not affect Hitler from rearmament.
Militarization of Rhineland
Rhineland was to be demilitarised, according to the Treaty of
Versailles.  On March 7, 1936, Hitler sent his army into the heart of
Rhineland and started the construction of fortifications.  France
opposed this move of Germany. But England was a silent spectator
to this action of Hitler.  Thus a golden opportunity to stop the
aggressive behaviour of Hitler was lost by both England and France.
The Spanish Civil War
A Republic had been proclaimed in Spain in 1931.  In 1936 the
conservatives under General Franco started a Civil War against the
Republic.   Now Germany and Italy supported Franco whereas Russia
supported the Republicans.  The Republicans were defeated and the
dictatorship of Franco was established.  The net result of the Spanish
Civil War was that it helped Italy and Germany to come closer and
later their friendship was converted into a treaty.