TOPIC 4: THE RISE OF DICTATORSHIP IN GERMANY, ITALY AND JAPAN
A dictatorship is defined as an autocratic form of government in which the Government is ruled by an individual, a dictator. In this government the power rests entirely on one person or group of people. A dictator is not restricted by law, constitution or other social and political factorswithin the state.A dictatorship is a form of government characterized by the absolute rule of oneperson or a very small group of people who hold all political power. While a dictatorship is a form of government in some nations, just as monarchy or representative democracy is the form of government in others, dictatorships are seen by non-dictatorships as dangerous and cruel because of the way they tend to treat their citizens.
According to Ford, “Dictatorship is the assumption of extra-legal authority by theHead of the State.”
Alfred says, “Dictatorship is the government of one man who has not obtained his position by inheritance but either by force or by consent, and normally by a combination of both.
He must possess absolute sovereignty. All political powers must ultimately emanate from his will and it must be unlimited in scope. It must be exercised more or less frequently in an arbitrary manner by decree rather than by law. Finally, it must not be incompatible with absoluterule”.
Generally; this is a form of government in which one person or a small group possessesabsolute power without effective constitutional limitations.
The term dictatorship comes from the Latin title “Dictator”, which in the Roman Republic designated a temporary magistrate who was granted extraordinarypowers in order to deal with state crises.
Modern dictators, however, resemble ancient tyrants rather than ancient dictators.
Ancient philosophers’ descriptions of the tyrannies of Greece and Sicily go far toward characterizingmodern dictatorships.
Modem Dictatorships. Between 1919 and 1939 there was a great reaction against democracy and dictatorship was established in many countries of the world. In Turkey, Kamal Pasha established his dictatorship in 1921 and he remained in power till his death in 1938. Mussolini abolished democracy in Italy in1922 and became a dictator.
In Spain Primo de Rivera became dictator from 1923 to 1939. In Portugal, General Carmona remained a dictator from 1926 to 1933. In Yugoslavia, Emperor Alexander established his dictatorship in 1929 and he ran the administration without a Parliament. In 1933, Hitler established his dictatorship in Germany and heremained in power till 1944.
Lenin established the dictatorship of Communist Party in Russia after the revolution of 1917. After the Second World War, China, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Rumania, Hungary, Poland, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Finland and Lithuania (Eastern Europe) also established the dictatorship of the Communist party but now most of thecountries have opted for democracy.
Some years ago, Military Dictatorship was established in some countries, for example Pakistan, Bangla Desh, Sudan, Nigeria, Burma, Ghana, and Indonesia and in some countries of South America, Chile, Panama, Argentina and Brazil. Now civilian rule has been restored in Argentina and Brazil, the largest countries of Latin America. Military revolutions took place in these countries and the administrationwas run by Military Dictators.
Dictators usually resort to force or fraud to gain despotic political power, which they maintain through the use of intimidation, terror, and the suppression of basic civil liberties. They may also employ techniques of mass propaganda in order to sustaintheir public support.
CHARACTERISTICS OF DICTATORSHIP
Dictatorship as an autocratic form of government has characterized with thefollowing features as follows:-1. One Party, One Leader and One Programme.
In dictatorship only one party is allowed to exist and it is the dictator’s ownparty. Other political parties, associations and organizations are not allowed to function. These are banned. All opposition to the dictator is ruthlessly suppressed. Hitler used to say, “Swastika or Gallows”.
a) One Leader.
Under dictatorship, leadership is given to a single man. Full faith is to be concentrated in the leader. The leader is supposed to represent national unity. He is considered to be a symbol of national prestige. He is the final authority in every matter and his word is supreme.
b) One Programme.
The whole country is supposed to have one political programme and it is theprogramme of dictator’s own party.
2. Absence of Individual Liberty
The individual does not enjoy any liberty or rights under dictatorship. Maximum obedience to the laws is equated to the maximum liberty. People are not allowed anyliberty of speech, association and press.
All agencies of education and propaganda such as schools, colleges, radio, papers and films are controlled by the state. In thewords of Mussolini:-
“People do not want liberty but they want law and order.”
No criticism against thedictator is tolerated. People are supposed to believe and obey. Democratic slogans of liberty, equality and fraternity are replaced by slogans like duty, discipline and sacrifice. Mussolini asserted:-
“Liberty is a dead carcass, I kick it.”
3. National Glorification
Dictators glorify their nations to an illogical extreme. Mad sense of patriotism is inculcated in the minds of the people. They are made intensely nationalistic. The state is regarded as the march of God on earth.
The state is considered to be the end and the individual a means to that end. People are supposed to sacrifice their liveson the alter of state.
4. Glorification of War
Dictators glorify war. War is considered to be essential for the normal health of body-politic. The state is all powerful and it must enhance its prestige. The dictators adopt a war-like policy and glorify brute force as the means for achieving national greatness. In theopinion of Hitler:-
“In eternal warfare, mankind has become great; in eternal peace it will be ruined.”
To quote Mussolini:-
“War is to the man what maternity is to the woman.”
5. Totalitarian State
Dictatorship is a totalitarian state which controls each and every aspect of human personality, and takes into its fold all human activities in the social,
economic, political, educational, religious and cultural spheres. No margin for individual libertyis left behind:-
“Nothing against the state, everything for the state, nothing outside the state”
Therefore; from the above quote it reveals the basicprinciple of dictatorship.
6. Racialism
Dictators preach racialism. The Germans under Hitler regarded themselves to be superior to the people living in the rest of the world. They claimed that they belonged to the ancient Aryan stock. As such they regarded themselves to be superior to others. Similarly, the Italians claimed that they belonged to the race of the ancient
NB:-Dictatorship was a mad doctrine. World War II was the direct result of these dictatorships. Democratic camp led by United Soviet Socialist Republic(U.S.S.R), England and America uprooted dictatorship from the world and gates for the growth of democracy was again opened.
CAUSES OF THE RISE OF DICTATORSHIP
The rise of Dictatorship in the world was much contributed/influenced by the diffent and various factors as folllows:-(1) Outbreak of the First World War.
The First World War broke out in 1914. In order to conduct the war successfully even in democratic countries, the executive captured all thepowers of the government and Parliaments were pushed aside. There was no regard for the freedom and rights of the people. As such, democracy received a severe set-back.
(2) The Treaty of Versailles of 1919 was based Upon Injustice.
The Treaty of Versailles (Paris Pact) was based on injustice. According to thistreaty, Germany was bifurcated into two parts and they were handed over to. France, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Poland and League of Nations.
Besides, a sum of £ 6,600 million was imposed as War-Indemnity on Germany. This compelled the people of Germany to think that only a strong government could bring about unification of the county and payment of reparation could be avoided. Thus, Hitler assumed power in 1933.
Though, according to the secret Treaty of London, Italy was to be given a new territory, yet after winning World War I, the governments of England and France did not fulfill that obligation. Italy suffered a heavy loss in World War I and she was very much disappointed. Pe’6ple believed that only a strong and powerful government could be effective at that stage. Thus Mussolini rose to power in 1922.
(3) Incompetence of Democratic Governments
After World War I democratic government were established in Germany and Italy. They had to face many crises from the very beginning. There was the problem of the unification t the motherland and Economic Depression in Germany.
In Germany, the Jews were traitors and they advanced money at a high rate of interest to France during the war. Communists were encouraging civil war on all sides and they were resorting to strikes. This hit the economy very badly. The democratic government of Germany could not do anything between 1920 and 1933.
At last Hitler’s Nazi Party came to power, and it was determined to root out all these evils. In Italy too democratic government was established after World War I, but this could not solve the political and economic problem? Thus Mussolini ended the democratic government with the help of his Fascist Party and solved the political and economic problems by dint of his own ability and strength.
(4) Lack of Democratic Traditions.
There was a lack of democratic traditions in Italy, Germany, Russia, Portugal and Spain. The people became restive and they transferred all their rights to dictators.
(5) Inability to secure economic liberty.
In Russia, before 1917 revolution, Czar, Nicholas II was the ruler. He failed to take effective steps for the economic prosperity of the people. At the time of October revolution the Communists promised to remove economic disparities and guaranteed livelihood to all, with the result that the Communist revolution took place in Russia and the Communist Party established its dictatorship.
After World War II, Communist revolutions took place in China, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Finland, Poland, Hungary, Rumania and Czechoslovakia, becausethe governments of these countries failed to bring prosperity to their people. At present there is dictatorship of Communist Party in these countries.
FACISM
Fascism is the attitude of giving full interest in economic, social and militarypower to a dominant race or state lead by a single dominant leader. Fascism basically rejected the idea of Socialism, Capitalism and Democracy. Fascism‟s are single – party dictatorship characterized by terrorism and Police surveillance.It focuses in ethnicity and “our” race being better than “your” race. Once whotake awayfreedom from others can be considered as Fascist.
CHARACTERISTICS OF FASCISM
1. Totalitarianism.The State incorporates every interest and every loyalty of its members. “There must be nothing above the State, nothing outside the State, nothing against the State”. There is therefore only one Fascist party, a Fascist press and aFascist Education.
2. Nationalism
The nation is the highest form of society ever evolved by the human race. The nation must be made strong and great, with self – sufficiency, a powerful army and a rapidly increasing population.
3. Idealism.
The philosophy of Fascism was an idealistic philosophy in the sense that it renounced the materialistic interpretation of history. Idealism developed primarily as protest against the defeatism of Italy‟s former rulers, who argued that since their country had no coal it was doomed to remain a third world power.
4. Romanticism.
Is an ideology that says reasons can never be adequate instruments for the solution of great nation problems? Intellectual needs should be supplemented by mystic faith, byworship of heroism and strength.
5. Authoritarianism.
The sovereignty of the State is absolute. The citizen has no rights but simplyduties.
6. Militarism.
Fascist States believed that angry or violent disagreements are the origin of all things, and this great power can only be achieved through military superiority.
FASCISM IN ITALY
Mussolini was started the Fascist Party in Italy. He was expelled from the Socialist party in 1915 and he then went to fight in First World War (WWI). The Fascist party was very violent and soon spread to many areas of life in Italy. Secret Police and assassination teams (also known as Black Shirts) had control of the streets. The partybelieved in only one absolute ruler and theretraction of many freedoms.
Books and Papers were censored, and education was reviewed so that it would favor the Fascist government. Benito Mussolini carried out all the essentials of Fascism – violence, dictatorship and glorification of War. The ultimatum of these ambitions was more disastrous.
BENITO MUSSOLINI
Born at Dovia in 1883, Mussolini was a violent and head strong boy, He qualified as a teacher but soon turned to journalism. Mussolini who realized that a war against Austria – Hungary could give Italy the Trentino and Trieste areas.
This desire to enlarge Italian territory led him to justify the war and even toglorify fighting. On 23rd March 1919 Mussolini formed a Fascio di Combattimento (Fighting group) in Milan.
Here were the first band of Fascist, „Superior‟ men who boasted that they werebound as closely together as the rods and axes of the „Fascinae‟ which had symbolized the power of Ancient Rome.
MUSSOLINI’S POLICY
Mussolini had the following ambitions:-
ØTo destroy Parliamentary government and make himself a dictator. ØTo gainrespect for Italy as a great Power.
ØHe ruthlessly punished his opponents through imprisonment, torture and exile.
ØEconomic re – organization of Italy where Mussolini did much to develop the Italian economy – agriculture,modernization of roads and railways. ØThrough his foreign policy Mussolini intervened in the Spanish Civil War
to support General Francisco Franco and he made annexation of Ethiopia (1935-1936) and Albania in 1939.
CAUSES OF FASCISM IN ITALY
1. Impacts of the First World War.The First World War affected Italian Economy badly to the extent of destroying its prosperity. Many people were killed and social miseries were embraced people‟s life. Hence, reformation (political and economic reform) was needed to eliminate social miseries.
2. Fear of Communism.
Communism, as a social doctrine advocated by Russia, believed in communal ownership of major means of production. As it entered in Eastern Europe, many Italians refused to pay taxes. Mussolini saw that, Communism would lead Italy to the grave of Poverty, so he promised to fight Communism with all his efforts, thus people supported him.
3. The Versailles Peace Treaty of 1919.
The treaty discouraged Italy completely. She was invited by Triple Entente tofight on its side during the WWI with a promise of getting some provinces from Africa and Europe respectively. But the treaty didn‟t grant them to her, hencethe need of denouncing the treaty terms. Italy was promised the two provinces (Austrian districts) of the Trentino (The south Tyrol) and Trieste (on the Adriatic). Italy also was not given Colonies that dispossessed from Germany.
4. The Weakness of League of Nations.
One of the League‟s tasks was to check and stop any attempt of re-armamentsin European countries. But she failed to do so in Italy, as a result, the Fascism gained momentum following the Weakness shown by League of Nation.
5. The role of Mussolini.
Mussolini was a founder of Fascism in Italy and the World at large. He organized his party and rose into power through violence and promises of Italians recovery from the First World War scars.
IMPACTS OF FASCISM
.i It boosted up Industrialization in Italy by advocating cooperation between workers and other industrial owners. This helped in keeping Italian economy healthy.
ii. Fascism, due to its expansionist Policy it contributed greatly to theoccurrence of the Second World War in 1939 – 1945.
iii. She also invaded other countries in the World to cause problems in World Political System.
iv. Persecution and strong opposition to communist in Italy and other partsin the World developed from this Fascist policy of Mussolini.
v. Many people in Italy were tortured, suppressed and persecuted byMussolini for opposing Mussolini‟s policy and philosophy.
NAZISM IN GERMANY
Germany wanted back her 1914 frontiers. U.S.A was not member of League of Nations. France was very weak and Russia was torn by Civil War, and a number of Small states, only Britain remained to check for Germanydisarmament. Then opportunity came on the side of Germany, it was only forthe matter of time before they have claimed back their frontiers. In 1924 AdolphHitler wrote:-
“State boundaries are made by Man and changed by Man….. Germany will either be a World Power or there will be no Germany”
NAZISM
Nazism (Nationalisozialismus), National Socialism; alternatively spelled Nazism was the ideology and practice of the Nazi Party and of Nazi Germany. The Nazis believed in the supremacy of an Aryan master race and claimed that Germans represented thepurest Aryan Nation.They argued that Germany‟s survival as a modern great Nation required it to create a new order – an empire that would give the German nation the necessary land mass resources and expansion of population needed to be able to economicallyand militarily compete with other powers.
The Nazis claimed that Jews were the greatest threat to the Aryan race and the German Nation. They considered Jews a parasitic race that attached itself to various ideologies and movements to secure itself – preservation, such as: the enlightenment, liberalism, democracy, parliamentary politics, capitalism, industrialization Marxism and tradeunionism.
ADOLF HITLER
Adolf Hitler was born in April 1889 at Braunau, Austria – Hungary. He once used to earn a living through painting and selling postcards, even beating carpets and shoveling snow. In 1920, he formed National Socialist GermanWorkersParty (Nazis). The badgewas the Swastika.
Hitler always offered a simple solution. “Everything would be all right if the Jews were deprived of all money and power, or the communist crushed, or the „November Criminals‟ hanged” These ideas gave him enough followers.
On 8th November 1923, after only four years in politics, Hitler went too far with encouragement from Italian Fascist successful March on Rome; he announced „National Revolution‟ and tried to „March on Rome‟. Unfortunately, unlikeMussolini, Hitler tried two mistakes:-
ØHe had not made sure of the active support of the army.
ØHe was unknown outside Bavaria whereas Mussolini had been a national figure before his March.
On that day, he had 3,000 armed storm troopers who supported him. Suddenly, police bared the way with rifles at the ready. Altogether, sixteenNazis and three policemen were killed in this unsuccessful movement. Hitler was arrested and his party was banned.
Following the banning of Movement, Hitler was sentenced to five years in Prison, a ridiculous punishment for armed rebellion, and in fact served only nine months. In prison, Hitler wrote Mein Krapf (My Struggle), a book that later used to rule Germany.
The Great Depression of 1929 that hit Europe and Germany respectively gave Adolf Hitler a chance of climbing into political mountain. USA stopped loans of 7 billion US dollars to Germany which resulted into fall of wages and a closing of factories and businesses.
In 1929 there were 1,320,000 unemployed in Germany and in 1932 this figured had increased to 5,102,000 unemployed. Here was Hitler‟s chance as for years he had prophesized disaster.
On 1930 and 1932 Hitler won an election with enough votes although he didn‟t win the Presidency. On 30 January 1933, Field – Marshal Hindenburg appointed Hitler as a Chancellor of Germany.
HITLER’S ACTION IN POWER
While in power, Hitler promised/did the following to make him stronger. ØFrom 1933 to 1945 Hitler abolished theParliamentary government.ØArbitrary arrest imprisonment, torture and death without trial became common.
ØRacial discrimination whereby the Nazi claimed that Germans who descended from the Aryans – where thepurest race of all.
ØConsolidation of the media especially press and radio of the Nazi. This consolidation meant to Nazify its programs output.
ØMein Kampf became the only Germany constitution.
ØThe establishment of secret state police (Gestapo), through their torture made most people to confess many things.
ØIn 1936, Hitler escaped thetreaty of Versailles and ignored its terms.
ØHis far ambition was to unify all Germanic people under one rule(Austria, Poland)
CAUSES OF NAZIS
Many things were traced as factors behind the rise of Nazism in Germany, but the following factors found to be useful:-1. The Weakness of League of Nations.
One of the League‟s objectives was to check/stop German‟s re – armament policy. But League had no mechanism – army – of stopping Germany from expanding its army. As a result Germany violated League‟s laws and used the weaknessto expand herself.
2. The need of denouncing Versailles Peace Treaty terms.
The terms were too harsh to Germany hence Hitler promised his people to deal with all terms which humiliated Germany.
3. Fear of Communism.
Most of Western European countries feared the quick spread of Communism doctrine. The doctrine discouraged private ownership of property and extremely taxes. Many people joined Nazi which promised to suppressCommunism.
4. Impacts of the First World War (WWI).
The war left behind a number of social miseries, destruction of infrastructures and so on. German‟s supported Hitler‟s policy of recovery.
economic economic
5. The role of Adolph Hitler.
Weakness of the Weimer Republic during the First World War period gave Adolph Hitler a free chance to survive in politics. Weimer Republic was hated by many Germans because it signed the Versailles Peace Treaty terms which accused Germany as a „War guilty‟
6. The Great Economic Depression (1929 – 1930’s)
This was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930‟s or early1940‟s. It was the longest, most widespread, and deepest depression of the 20th Century.
The „Great Crush‟ itself, beginning with such night mare events as „Black Thursday‟ (24th October 1929) on the New York Stock Exchange, wasto a large extent a collapse of confidence. Nearly 13 million shares were hastily sold, causing during the month of October a loss of 40,000 million dollars to Americaninvestors.
CAPITALIST PRODUCTION CYCLE
BOOM STAGE
DEPRESSION CRISIS
RECOVERY
The above Capitalist Economic Cycle can be identified through the following characteristics.
1. Boom Stage (Peak)
Always during the Boom stage people enjoys the highest peak of life which summarized below:-
a) High level of investment.
b) Lowest level of unemployment. c) High income to individuals.
d) Stable price of commodities. e) Social and political stability. f) Trade expansion.
2. Recession Stage.
In this stage, the country‟s economic activities started to decrease as summarized below:-
a) Decrease in investment. b) Decrease in employment. c) Decrease in income.
d) Decrease in effective demand. e) Decrease of commodity price. f) Profitless trade.
3. Slump Stage
Here, the total economic depression is marked. Almost everything is stagnated and life went high as summarized below:-
a) Lowest level of Investment.
b) Highest level of unemployment.
c) Lowest level of income asmany investment died. d) Lowest standard of living.
e) Rise of food prices.
f) Social and political unrest.
g) Total closure of enterprises and investments.
4. Recovery Stage.
After a long time of depression, the country (or World) started to recover and economy gained its status.
a) Investments started to increase. b) Prices started to rise.
c) Effective demand increased.
d) Employments started to increase, e.t.c.
CAUSES OF GREAT DEPRESSION. 1. Overproduction and under consumption.
In many parts of the World in 1929 there was over-production. Too much food, too much copper, too much rubber, too much silver and zinc were produced. Good harvest in the United States of America (U.S.A) left even more food on the farmer‟s hands. Unfortunately, markets for those produced goods was not enough hence declined of some enterprises
2. Fall of Financial Institutions.
The fall down of New York Stock Exchange and later London Stock Market marked the beginning of Depression in the World. Profitless trades took down the peoples hopes of investing and started to withdraw their shares. Example, from 24th October 1929 to 27th October 1929, nearly 13 million shares were hastily withdrawn and sold causing huge lose which resulted into the closing downof New York Stock exchange.
3. Effects of the First World War.
Most of the European countries were badly affected by the WWI and decided to wage a protectionism policy against any imported commodities. The result wastoo bad to United States of America (USA) as she was depended to external markets for her commodities. Many of manufactured goods remained unsold and depression knocked the door.
4. Unequal distribution of Wealth and Income.
Overall distribution of wealth and income in United States of America (USA) before Great Depression was not equal. Only few people owned huge part of national wealth which caused under consumption and collapse of investors during the crisis.
5. Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.
Before Revolution, most of Europeans and American nations enjoyed Russia‟s markets for their manufactured goods. After Revolution Russia introduced central controlled economy which narrowed the World markets and causing concentration of goods to some countries that lead to Great depression.
6. Protectionism policy in European countries.
After the First World War (WWI), most of the European countries adopted the protectionism policy in order to strengthen their local markets. The policy affected U.S.A as she was dependant for internal markets. Fall of External markets for U.S.A was a great cause for its (U.S.A) collapse hence the World Great Depression was inevitable.
GENERAL IMPACTS OF GREAT DEPRESSION
1. Mass unemployment.
By 1932, more than twelve million men and women were out of work in U.S.A only. In other parts of the World, the situation was more difficult as chaos spread all over the World due to unemployment problems.
2. Reduction of Wages.
For thosewho had a grace of remaining in jobs, faced another problem of salary and wages reduction. In order for some industries to survive, the abovemeasures had to be taken.
3. Closing down of Financial Institution.
Many banks and other financial institutions were closed following the effects of Great Depression. More than 1000 Banks were closed by 1932.
4. Fall of Industrial Production.
Due to the closing down of many industries in America and Europe, theindustries production also went down to accept the situation. Most of the manufactured goods were priceless hence profitlessto many investors.
5. Rise of Dictatorship States.
As a reaction to Great Economic Depression, Dictatorship states like Nazism and Fascism came up to re-build the economics of their countries which was badly affected by depression.
6. United States of America (USA) commodities lost Markets. Protectionism policy adopted by European countries after the WWI affected greatly U.S.A. U.S.A for a long time of war enjoyed external markets and depended on it. The protectionism policy made U.S.A to lose external markets and affected her economy.
EFFECTS OF NAZIS
1. Increase of Germany Expansionist policy.Adolph Hitler always advocated the expansionist policy – she decided to invadeother European nations e.g. Czechoslovakia, Montenegro and Poland.
2. Speed Development in Germany.
Nazi Party led Germany to the Great Development that never seen before.
3. Persecution of Jews.
Many Jews were persecuted as a result of the First World War effects. Hitler, through his downfall of German during the First World War (WWI). Nazi Partykilled many Jews who were an obstacle toward Germany achievement.
4. Massive Production of Deadly Weapons.
In 1935, Britain signed an agreement of allowing the German navy to be increased. That was a great mistake and a great chance to Hitler as he used it out of the World expectations.
5. Outbreak of the Second World War.
On 1st September 1939, German tanks rolled across the Polish border. For the first time there were no empty protests, or request for interviews.
THE SECOND WORLD WAR (1939 – 1945)
This was a global military conflict lasting from 1st September 1939 to 2nd September 1945, which involved most of the World‟s nations, including all of the great powers; eventually forming two opposing military alliances, the Allies and Axis powers.
The war marked by significant events involving the mass death of civilians, including the Holocaust and the only use of Nuclear weapons in warfare, it was thedeadliest conflict in human history, resulting in 50 – 70 million fatalities.
The war is generally accepted to have begun on 1st September 1939, with theinvasion of Poland by Germany and Slovakia, and subsequent declarations of war on Germany by France and most of the countries of the British Empire and Commonwealth.
The war in Europe ended with the capture of Berlin by Soviet and Polish troops and the subsequent German unconditional surrender on 8th May 1945. The Japanese Navy was defeated by the United States and invasion of the Japanese Archipelago (Home Island) became imminent.
The War in Asia ended on 15th August 1945 when Japan agreed to surrender. In general, the war ended with the total victory of the Allies over German and Japan in 1945.
CAUSES OF SECOND WORLD WAR
1. Failure of the Disarmament Policy.
During the Versailles Peace Treaty of 1919, the World has agreed over disarmament to the lowest point as a way of avoiding another World War. Unfortunately League of Nation had no such power of stopping stubborn countries like Germany and Italy to continue with armament. The results were turning the World up – side down.
2. Hitler’s aggressive policies.
The problem was noticed when Hitler withdraw Germany from the League of Nation in 1933 and started to denounce the Versailles terms. She then wanted to reacquire Austria – Hungary (1938) and annexing Poland and Czech in 1939.
3. Weaknesses of Versailles Peace Treaty.
Versailles Peace Treaty was used as a tool of punishing some European countries. Germany was severely punished and Italy was not given the areas she was promised. As a result of these humiliation was an outbreak of the Second World War.
4. Existence of Military Alliances.
The Versailles congress did not solve the root cause of the First World War (WWI), military camps in Europe. Triple Alliance and Triple Entente were not wiped out rather given more power with different names such as Axis Powers and Allied (Central) Power. The military Alliances played a great role inoccurrence of the Second World War.
5. Rise of Fascist Policies.
Fascism and Nazism were like a salt in the wound of World Democracy. Theytreated World Peace with their aggressive policies. They always wanted to expand their tentacles beyond their territories. Their policies led to the invasion of Poland and created tension which culminated into the Second World War.
6. The Spanish Civil War (War Rehearsal)
When Giuseppe Fanelli, an Italian politician introduced Anarchism in Spain in 1868, no one noticed its effects – but „Latifundia‟ gave anarchism the reason to spread all over Spain. Example, by 19th C in Seville, 5% of inhabitants owned 72% of the farming land, left majority of Seville empty handed.
The weakness gave General Francisco Franco the power of spreading Fascist policies in Spain, with backup of Hitler and Mussolini. Stalin supported Republicans in fear of Fascism; as a result by 1936 Spain was divided in twoparts. Nationalist that was led by Franco and Republicans which was supported by Stalin and Britain with her allies. By the end, war costing600,000 lives and ruining large parts of Spain. Yet Spain had reflection of things to come.
EFFECTS OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR.
1. Collapse of European hegemony.
After the Second World War, European hegemony started to collapse down asmuch money was used to finance the War. Britain was a leading Superpower before WWII but after the War her superiority started to fade away.
2. Massive destruction of Economic infrastructure.
Many industries, Banks, Markets, Warehouses, Roads, Bridges, Railways and many more were badly affected by the War. Due to these effects, European Economy could not stand against thefatal.
3. Collapse of League of Nations.
One of the objectives for the establishment of League of Nations in 1919, was to make sure that there was no an occurrence of another World War. Outbreak of WWII meant the total failure of LeagueMissions.
4. Jews Genocide and Torture.
Hitler always believed that “Germany was not defeated, she was betrayed”. For that belief, when he got power, Hitler killed about 6 million Jews in gas chamber and left others wounded.
5. Formation of United Nation Organizations.
Failure of League of Nations meant creation of another World organization that managed World affairs. U.N.O was formed to develop what had initiated by Leagueof Nations and it inherited some Leagues organs.
6. Rise of African Nationalism.
For Africa, Second World War was like an opportunity from heaven. Failure ofWestern block to lead the World Economy signalized their failure of handling African colonies. Most of decolonization struggle started after the Second World War to 1994 when South Africa became free.
7. Many people were killed.
Second World War used a massive killing weapon that costs lives of Soldiers and Civilians. Millions of soldiers and civilians were killed during the war.
8. Intensive exploitation of African resources.
Both human and natural resources were highly exploited after the Second World War African continent became victim of her own wealth; European used Africato compensate the effects of theWar.
9. Changes in colonial agriculture (in Africa)
In order to get enough raw materials from newly European industries, changes had to occur in Africa. More schemes and plans in agriculture were initiated tofacilitate the smooth recoveryof European economy
DICTATORSHIP IN JAPAN
After the First World War, Japan enjoyed a period of economic prosperity and growing democratic governments. However, the Great Depression hit Japan because its economy depended on external trades. Like other governments in the World, Japan also seemed unable to solve its economic crisis. Many peopleturned to the military, which began to take matters into its own hands. By1932, military leaders had set up a military dictatorship in Japan.The leaders like Emperor Hiroito, General Hideki Tojo (Prime Minister), Prince Konoye and many more came up to lead the militarism state in Japan. In September 1931, Japan invaded and occupies Manchuria (China province). The situation was pre-advancement of Fascism in Japan.
Unlike Italy and Germany, however, Japan did not have a strong leader (single strong leader). Instead, a small group of military leaders dominated the government. By 1930‟s, Japan had many features of a totalitarian state. The government arrested critics, imposed censorship and employed a secret policeforce to hunt down and punish the so – called enemies of the State. Extreme nationalists glorified war and Empire. Japan invaded Manchuria due to the highly demand of raw materials such as Coal and Iron.
FACTORS BEHIND DICTATORSHIP IN JAPAN
1. The World Economic Crisis.
Japan was one of the countries affected by World Great Depression (W.G.D.) she wanted to adopt policy that could help her to get rid of crisis effects. Fascism policy was a perfect choicefor her.
2. Weakness of League of Nations.
When Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931, China appealed to League of Nationsbut nothing serious was done. This gave Japan a chance of doing whatever in her mind, hence disruption of World Peace.
3. Rise of Fascism and Nazism.
The success of Fascism and Nazism had great impacts on the dictatorship system in Japan. Japan also wanted to create a strong nation like that of Italy and Japan.
4. Corruption.
By the end of 1880‟s and early 1900”s, corruption in Japan became the onlyway of acquiring services. Great people were favored while civilians left out from the system. Diet (the lower house) was not listened; hence, dictatorship could not be avoided.
5. Opposition of democracy.
Like in Germany, Japan also believed that democracy could not solve any problem. Many political groups in Japan hated democracy and believed indictatorship system of using army in solving countries problems.
IMPACTS OF NAZISM AND FACISM (DICTATORSHIP) IN EUROPE
1. Loss of Democracy.
Civilian‟s freedom was handled to dictators. Most basic freedom was no longer practiced in Japan. People started to demand their freedom again. No free constitution allowed ruling Japan.
2. Assassination of opponents.
In any dictatorship state, violence was normal situation too be observed. Example in May 1932 Prime Minister Inukai was assassinated by the group of army officers as he criticized extremist actions.
3. Disturbing the World peace.
In 1931 Japan invaded Manchuria and started to create fear among Asian states. China seeks assistance from League of Nations but not succeeded, as a result hostility was created between the two.
4. Collapse of the League of Nations.
The policies of Hitler and Mussolini contributed greatly to the collapse of the League of Nations. The two leaders ignored the resolutions of the league, Italy attacked Ethiopia in 1935, and Germany attacked Austria in 1934 and Poland in 1939. The actions of Hitler and Mussolini weakened the League of Nations and accounted for the eventual collapsein 1945.
5. Influenced the Second World War.
Japan joined Italy and Germany to createthe Axis Powerswhich threatened the World peace through their aggressiveness, Germany invaded Poland to cause the outbreak of Second World War.
6. Blocked the spread of Communism.
Germany, Italy and Japan formed relationship that stopped the spread of communism propaganda in the World and Japan respectively.
7. Rise of Dictators on the European continent.
The political systems of Nazism and Fascism contributed to the rise of dictators on the Europe continent. The governments of Germany and Italy were characterized with the absence of democracy.
The press was under state control, political meetings and associations were prohibited. There was no freedom of speech.
8. Weakened the Economies of Europe.
Nazism contributed to the decline of the economy of Germany and other European nations. Nazism contributed to the outbreak of the Second World War that contributed to widespread insecurity that disrupted economic activities.
The European powers also invested many resources in the war, which contributed to their decline as world powers.
9. Terror and Violence.
The policies of Nazism and Fascism brought terror and violence in Europe. Nazism was associated with racial segregation. The Germans believed that their race was the most superior race, they argued that the Jews were contaminating their race hence there is a need to eliminate them.
Hitler killed many Jews in concentration camps; it is believed that six million Jews direct died in Nazi hands.
10. Abolition of Free Market Economy.
The policies of Hitler and Mussolini contributed to the abolition of the freemarket policy in Germany and Italy.
The state controlled the economy through price controls and quotas. There was also creation of massive public work as a strategy to address the unemployment problem.
11. Rise of Zionism.
The actions of Hitler to kill many Jews in concentration camps led to theformation of Zionist movement, this movement aimed at uniting all the Jews and settles them in Palestine.
This movement started in the late 19th century and reached its peak in 1948 after Hitler’s Holocaust. This led to the establishment of the state of Israel. The movements name is derived from Zion, the will on which the temple of Jerusalem was located.
TOPIC IN DETAIL/MORE MATERIALS WITH PICTURES
A dictatorship is defined as an autocratic form of government in which the government is ruled by an individual, a dictator. In this government the power rests entirely on one person or group of people. A dictator is not restricted by law, constitution or other social and political factors within the state.
Characteristics of Dictatorship
1. Total wipe of Democracy. There is no democracy and no right to view or speech. 2. Militarism as a means of achieving political goals.
3. Excessive use of terror and propaganda in order to enforce will and punish, arrest without trial and threat to bis opponent.
4. Anti- semi fire-excessive racial segregation
5. Personality cult. Dictatorship is characterized by excessive worshiping of a dictator, obey without a question.
6. Mass killings and genocides of the opponents
7. Absence of freedom of press. The dictator controls news papers, magazines, books and radios, TV stations.
8. Extreme nationalism and super patriotism. The glories of the nation are pictured as right and just.
9. Denial of international peace and cooperation to refrain from international peace arrangement.
One of the factors that contributed to the rise of dictatorships was the Great Depression of 1929 –1933.
An economic depression refers to a slump in the economy of the country. In 1929 the economy of the entire world was hit by a period of depression therefore the great depression refers to the world wide business slump of the 1930’s characterized by high unemployment and low business.
FASCISM AND MUSSOLINI
IN ITALY
Fascism was a political system that existed in Italy during the interwar period i.e. the First and the Second World War. The Italian version of fascism was "fascio" meaning a group or squad of a few determined superior men. In the period after world war one, the word Fascism was used to denote groups of people organized to fight communism and socialism by force.
Basic Principles of Fascism:
(a) Extreme nationalism
An emphasis was laid on building up the greatness and prestige of the Italian state, with the implication that one's own nation is superior to others. Thus the fascists wanted Italy to become a power in Europe.
(b) A totalitarian system of government.
The Fascist party removed all free election and banned all trade unions. All communications and the press were restricted by the government. All radio programs and newspapers were closely contoured by the state. This was important to protect the interest of the state which was more important than the interest of the individual.
(c) A one party state.
All political parties except the Fascist party were banned so that Italy became a one party state like the Soviet Union. All political meetings and associations were forbidden. The Fascist party members were mostly the elite of the nation who would win mass support with thrilling speeches and skillful propaganda.
(d) Economic self sufficiency.
This was seen a precondition in the development of the state, the government had to direct the economic life of a country although this was not to be through public ownership of the means of production.
(e) Military strength and violence.
Military strength and violence were an integral part of life.Mussolini himself once remarked that, "Peace is absurd, fascism does not believe in it". Hence Mussolini fostered the myth that they had seized power by revolution
(f) Opposed capitalism.
Fascism was strongly against capitalism which was associated with exploitation and oppression.The Fascists hated western capitalist countries such as Britain and France.
RISE OF MUSSOLINI AND
FASCISM IN ITALY
Mussolini was born in 1883; he was a violent and headstrong boy. He qualified as a teacher but soon he turned to journalism. Mussolini often remarked that Italy needed a dictator who will be able to make "a clean sweep".
Several factors can be advanced to explain why Mussolini and his Fascist party gained political in 1922. It should be emphasized that there was an atmosphere of general frustration in Italy.
(a) The Italians had been disappointed by the outcome of the Paris peace settlement in 1915. Italy joined the Great War and for the allied powers who had promised her many territories such as Trenton, part of Dalmatian, Trieste etc. Unfortunately Italy was not given all the territories she was promised. The Italians felt cheated in view that the gains from the conference could not match the costsof the war. The leadership was condemned as inefficient because it failed to defend the interest of the Italian.
(b) Spread of communism and socialism.
The growth of communism and socialism in Italy threatened the interests of the rich middle class. The rich middle class was the most powerful group that owned factories and industries in Italy. With the spread of the socialist propaganda to nationalize private enterprise, the economic interests of the middle class were threatened thus they gave their support to Mussolini whom they believed would stop the spread of communist.
(c) Internal insecurity.
Between 1919 and 1920, there was a wave of strikes accompanied by violence, coating of shops and occupation of factories by workers. Because of this it was clear that Italy needed a strong and determined leader which Mussolini seemed to be.
(d) Mussolini’s character and personality.
Mussolini had a strong character and personality and his fascist party was attractive to many sections of the Italian society Mussolini promised to store complete law and order, security and stability at a time when they were badly needed. In addition Mussolini also promised to transform Italy into a great world power.
THE VERSAILLES TREATY
OF 1919
The Versailles treaty refers to the particular clauses (conditions or principles) which were given to Germany and which were accepted and signed by Germany at Versailles in 1919. The Versailles treaty was one of the post war settlements through which the leading powers during the Paris conference hoped to restore peace on the European continent and to avoid another crisis like World War one.
According to the peace markers (Britain, France and Russia) the Versailles treaty seemed to be an idea of peace settlement to the Germans, The treaty had a lot of unrealistic terms.
Terms of the Versailles Treaty
1. Germany armaments were strictly limited. Germany was only allowed a maximum of 100,000 troops just for domestic safety. Germany was not allowed to own military tanks and military air craft’s. The intention was to weaken Germany militarily and prevent her, from revenging; this would maintain peace in continental Europe.
2. War guilt clause.
The peace makers blamed Germany for the outbreak of world war one. The war guilty clause fixed the blame of World War one only on Germany and her allies.
3. War reparations.
Germany was to pay reparations for the damage done to the allied powers. The actual amount was not decided at Versailles but it was announced later that Germany was to pay 6,600 million USA dollars in 1921. This figure was too high to be effectively paid by a single country especially after the Great War.
4. Loss of territories.
Germany had to lose territories in Europe and Africa. In Europe Germany lost Alsace and Lorraine to France. In Africa Germany lost all her colonies such as Tanganyika, Togo, and Cameroon and present day Namibia which were taken and made mandate territories under the supervision of the League of Nations.
5. Establishment of the League of Nations.
The allied powers agreed to form an international organ which would maintain lasting peace in Europe. This organ was the League of Nations that was established in 1920.
Was the Versailles Treaty
Realistic or Unrealistic?
Unrealistic
1. Treaty was imposed on Germany. The treaty was forced upon the Germans at Versailles where they were simply presented with terms and told to sign without opposing. The allied powers especially France were given many chances to criticize Germany but the Germans were not given any chanceto defend themselves.
2. Disarmament
The disarmament was strongly objected by the Germans claiming that 100,000 troops were to maintain law and order at a time of political uncertainty. The Germans became more aggrieved, later as it became clear that other powers were not disarming.
3. War guilty clause
The war guilt clause was also contested by the Germans on the grounds that Germany alone was to blame for the outbreak of world war one. The Germans argued that if other powers had not acted the way they did like forming counter alliances perhaps World War one would have been avoided.
4. War reparations
The war reparations were the final humiliation for the Germans.The allied powers forced Germany to pay 6,600 million dollars. The figure was too high to be effectively paid by a single country especially after world war one.
5. Repartitioning of Germany.
Another weakness of the Versailles treaty lay in the repartitioning of Germany whereby Germany was forced to lose her territories to other European countries for example the port of Dazing was given to Poland therefore subjecting some Germans to polish control.
6. Dominated by the three big powers.
The Versailles treaty was not fair because the revolutions had been dominated by the three big powers i.e. Britain, France and the U.S.A. It’s even clear that the resolutions favored Britain and France at the expense of Germany for example France gained 15 years custody of the Saar valley which was rich in coal while Britain gained some of the mandate territories like Tanganyika.
Realistic
In spite of the above weakness and unfairness one can strongly argue that the Versailles treaty was fair to some extent. 1. It was fair to the French to regain Alsace and Lorraine which Germany had forcefully annexed following their defeat in 1871. This region was so rich in terms of coal and supported the French industrial revolution.
2. The treaty gave freedom to small nationalities that had been subjected to foreign domination for so long for example Poland was given her independence.
3. The treat forced Germany to disarm because; if it was not disarmed it would have been very difficult to maintain continental peace because Germany was capable of troubling Europe shortly thereafter.
4. It was fair for Poland a land locked country to be given access to the sea if it was to gain economic stability.
NB: Its worth noting that the French representatives had used the treaty not for achieving lasting peace in Europe but to revenge on Germany for defeating France in 1871. It is the unfairness in this treaty that caused future trouble for Europe and the world.
THE ORIGINS OF THE
GREAT DEPRESSION OF 1929 – 1933
Various Causes account for the Occurrence of the Great Depression.
(a) Wall street crushes
Wall Street is a street in New York City where buying and selling of shares takes place. The Wall Street crush marked the beginning of the Great Depression. The prices of shares were increasing rapidly forcing people to buy more and more shares, but suddenly the prices of shares started to fall drastically and the people had bought so many shares started to sell them at give away prices. Large number of individuals and enterprises who had lent out money to the capitalists to make an interest ran bankrupt because the capitalists failed to pay back the loans.
(b) Over production in the United States of America.
After world war one the USA became the leading economic power. In the 1920’s American factories and farmlands produced more and more products expecting world trade to continue to expand. Due to increased production that lacked enough demands, prices of commodities declined reducing profits, capitalists responding by cutting down production which led to reduction of the work force leading to widespread unemployment.
(c) Nature of capitalists’ production
The capitalists believed in the Laissez faire policy whereby the government does not intervene in economic activities, due to the tendency of capitalists to compete with one another; they tend to produce more than the existing demands which leads to fall in prices and therefore the fall in profits forces the capitalists to reduce production and close their factories which leads to unemployment.
(d) Concentration of wealth in the hands of the minority and poverty in the hands of the majority This lead to disproportion between investment and consumption. Due to poverty there will be inadequate demand which forces prices to fall leading to reduction in profits thus the capitalists are forced to reduce production and reducing the workforce which leads to widespread unemployment.
(e) Interdependence of countries.
Due to the interdependence of countries, a crisis in one country was bound to have serious consequences in another country. This explains why the Wall Street crush in the USA forced her to withdraw the loans that she had lent out to European countries hence having disastrous consequences in the European countries for example Germany failed to pay the war reparations.
(f) Protectionist policies.
Poor economic policies like protectionism were also for causing the Great depression. The USA during the inter war period pursued protectionism whereby it carried out discriminative policies against world economies. The USA introduced the “MC cumber tariff”in 1922 to shelter her economies against imports from other nations.
(g) Effects of World War 1.
The effects of world war one also contributed to the outbreak of the Great Depression.World war one lead to high production, low prices and profits hence was contributing to the Great Depression.
Impact of the Great
Depression on Europe and America
(Factors for rise of dictatorship) The Great Depression had a tremendous impact on the metropolitan economies for a period of four years. The effects are the following:
(a) Massive unemployment.
The Great Depression was characterized with low prices that let to reduction in profit; the decline in profits compelled the capitalists to retrench workers thus leading to Massive unemployment rose from 3.2% in 1929 to 24.9% in 1939.
(b) Decline in production.
There was a massive fall in the levelof production activities; the Great Depression was characterized with falling prices and profits which forces the capitalists to reduce production and in some cases to close their industries and factors.
(c) Widespread poverty.
The Great Depression led to widespread poverty both in the United States of America and Europe. Poverty was due to low purchasing power which was caused by massive unemployment.
(d) Collapse of the agricultural sector.
The Great Depression contributed to the collapse of the agricultural sector, the fall in production was caused by the rising prices of farm implements such as tractors and fertilizers. Due to the rise of prices, farmers could not purchase the farm implements thus contributing to the collapse of the agricultural sector.
(e) Inflation
The Great Depression contributed to widespread inflation in both the United States of America and Europe. The Great Depression was characterized by low levels of production which later on pushed up prices due to rising demand for goods. In 1929 countries such as Germany and Britain were characterized by hyper inflation that reduced the value of their currencies.
(f) Collapse of international trade
The Great depression contributed to the decline of international trade because it was associated with hyper inflation which contributed to loss of the value of money thus discouraging trade among countries. The Great depression also contributed to the collapse of many commercial banks, this too contributed to the collapse of international trade.
(g) Rise of dictatorship in Europe for example Italy and Germany
(h) Decline in working conditions.
NAZISM IN GERMANY
Characteristics of Nazism
(a) The destruction of democracy.
The National socialist party removed all free elections and banned all trade unions. All communications and the press were restricted by the government. All radio programs and news papers were closely controlled by the state.
(b) Adoption of a one party state.
All political parties except the National socialist party were banned, so that the Germany became a one party statelike the Soviet Union. All political meetings and associations were forbidden.
(c) Glorification of the military.
There was creation of a large and strong military and police machinery. Hitler created a huge police force and a tough secret police called the "Gestapo". After 1933 Hitler withdrew Germany from the League of Nations and embarked on a policy of rearmament.
(d) Racism
The Nazi philosophy always emphasized Germany hatred for all foreign races especially the Jews. German text books were rewritten to fit in with the Nazi philosophy; the most obvious were History and Biology. History was distorted to reflect Hitler’s views that great thing can only be achieved by using force while Biology was dominated by the Nazi race theory which reflected the greatness of Germans as opposed to other nationalities.
(e) Expansionism
Hitler’s political party had two political aims,:-
- Re–uniting Germany that had been split by the allied powers in 1919.
- Obtaining for Germany a leading role in Europe in the form of oversees colonies.
In March 1938 Germany troops entered Austria without resistance and controlled it for seven years. They again over ran Czechoslovakia with little resistance and in 1939 they invaded Poland with the aim of liberating one million Germans.
(f) Dominated by totalitarianism.
Nazism was dominated by totalitarianism, Nazism believed that, “nothing should be above the state, nothing outside the state and nothing against the state” Hitler used to make remarks like, believe! Obey! Fight”
(g) Against capitalism.
Nazism was strongly against capitalism which was associated with exploitation and oppression. The Nazis hated Western capitalist countries such as Britain and France.
Reasons for the Rise
of Nazism in Germany
The treaty was too harsh for Germany, for example it involved the partitioning of Germany and forcing her to pay reparations that were fixed at 6.5 million pounds. Hitler promised to overthrow the Versailles treaty and rebuild Germany into a great power again, hence the majority of Germans turned to Hitler and the Nazi party.
(b) The effects of the Great Depression.
The economic hardships brought about by the great depression shook the basis of the Weimar republic’s existence. Between 1929 and 1933, the unemployment problem worsened for example 6 million Germans were unemployed. The USA withdrew her loans scheme from the Germans which led to the decline in wages and fall in industrial production. The majority of the Germans turned to Nazism.
(c) The weakness of the Weimar republic.
The Weimar republic was declared after Kaiser William 11 fled in 1918. It was the first democratic republic with a democratic constitution.However the republic had a democratic constitution. However the republic had so many problems for example it lacked support from the Germans because they argued that it accepted the humiliating and unpopular Versailles treaty with its harsh terms consequently most of the Germans supported the Nazi party.
(d) Effects of world one.
The defeat of Germany in the Great War frustrated many Germans. Germans nationalists like Hitler often remarked that Germany was not defeated, but simply betrayed by the Kaiser’s government. There was widespread discontent in Germany, there was low production that led to scarcity of goods therefore contributing to hyper inflation for example in 1923 one British pound was equivalent to 20,000,000,000,000 marks where as in 1918 it was only 20 marks with all these hardships, the Germans turned to Hitler.
(e) The fear of a socialist’s revolution.
The bourgeoisie supported the Nazi party with the hope that it will keep out the communist policies and communism itself. Communism advocates for nationalization of private enterprises and redistribution of wealth hence the bourgeoisie decided to support Hitler who will protect their enterprises.
(f) The role of Hitler.
As soon as Hitler was appointed chancellor, he banned all political parties and declared the Nazi party as the only legal party thus playing a leading role to the rise of Nazism in Germany.
Factors for the Rise
of Hitler into Power in Germany
(a) Popularity of the Nazi party.
The Nazi party was popular in Germany especially between 1932 and 1933. The party raised the hopes for national unity, revising a prosperous economy and improving the living conditions particularly for the unemployed. The party got support from the rich middle class namely the professionals, merchants, civil, servants and other white collar workers.
(b) Antipathy against the Versailles treaty.
Hitler became popular among the Germany nationalists because he promised to overthrow the Versailles settlement. Hitler reminded the Germans that the treaty would not be morally accepted because it discounted Germany yet it case Bismarck time and blood to build.
(c) The communist threat.
The big capitalists of Germany saw in Hitler the protection of their interests against the communists and the socialists. Communism and socialism had grown too strong in Germany because they advocated for nationalization and redistribution of wealth.
(d) Economic problems.
The economic hardships brought about by the great depression and world war one had disastrous effects in the Germans. There was general discontent and frustration which undermined people’s confidence in the Weimar Republic because it had no solutions, hence the Germans turned to Hitler.
(e) Strong personality.
It must be borne in mind that Hitler had a strong character in relation to his political opponents in 1933. He was the most powerful diplomatic figure in Germany politics and an orator of the 20 th century. He was so attractive to the Germans by his propaganda and political speeches. He exploited the corruption and mismanagement of the Weimar Republic.
(f) The weakness of the Weimar republic.
The Weimar republic was declared after Kaiser William II fled in 1918. It was the first democratic republic with a democratic constitution. However the republic had so many problems for example it lacked support from the Germans because they argued that it accepted the humiliating and unpopular Versailles treaty with its harsh terms consequently most of the Germans supported the Nazi party.
(g) Effects of world war one.
The defeat of Germany in the Great War frustrated many Germans. German nationalists like Hitler after remarked that Germany was not defeated, but simply betrayed by the Kaisers government. There was widespread discontent in Germany; there was low production that led to scarcity of goods therefore contributing to hero inflation for example in 1923 one British pound was equivalent to 20,000,000,000 marks where as in 1918 it was only 20 marks, with all these hardships, the Germans turned to Hitler.
Effects of Fascism
and Nazism in Europe
The expansionist polices pursued by Mussolini had a great to play in the outbreak of the Second World War. Hitler and Mussolini wanted to control the whole world. Hitler attacked Australia, Czechoslovakia and finally Poland. The attack of Poland forced Britain and France to drop the appeasement policy and declare war on Germany that caused world war two.
2. Rise of dictators on the European continent.
The political systems of Nazism and Fascism contributed to the rise of dictators on the Europe continent. The governments of Germany and Italy were characterized with the absence of democracy. The press was under state control, political meetings and associations were prohibited. There was no freedom of speech.
3. Collapse of the League of Nations.
The policies of Hitler and Mussolini contributed greatly to the collapse of the League of Nations. The two leaders ignored the resolutions of the league, Italy attacked Ethiopia in 1935, and Germany attacked Austria in 1934 and Poland in 1939. The actions of Hitler and Mussolini weakened the League of Nations and accounted for the eventual collapse in 1945.
4. Weakened the economies of Europe. Nazism contributed to the decline of the economy of Germany and other European nations. Nazism contributed to the outbreak of the Second World War that contributed to widespread insecurity that disrupted economic activities.The European powers also invested many resources in the war, which contributed to their decline as world powers.
5. Terror and violence.
The policies of Nazism and Fascism brought terror and violence in Europe. Nazism was associated with racial segregation. The Germans believed that their race was the most superior race, they argued that the Jews were contaminating their race hence there is a need to eliminate them. Hitler killed many Jews in concentration camps; it is believed that six million Jews direct died in Nazi hands.
6. Abolition of free market economy.
The policies of Hitler and Mussolini contributed to the abolition of the free market policy in Germany and Italy. The state controlled the economy through price controls and quotas. There was also creation of massive public work as a strategy to address the unemployment problem.
7. Rise of Zionism.
The actions of Hitler to kill many Jews in concentration camps led to the formation of Zionist movement, this movement aimed at uniting all the Jews and settles them in Palestine. This movement started in the late 19 th century and reached its peak in 1948 after Hitler’s Holocaust. This led to the establishment of the state of Israel. The movements name is derived from Zion, the will on which the temple of Jerusalem was located.
THE RISE OF DICTATORSHIP IN JAPAN
After the First World War, Japan was in a strong position in the Far East. Japan benefited much from the First World War, while European states were busy with the war, Japan provided the allies with shipping and other goods. During the war years her export of cotton cloth almost trebled and her merchant fleet doubled and her merchant fleet in tonnage. As the days went on, Japanese political affairs started to change.
The moment economic problems visited Japan, Parliamentary System was a driving force. Most of the ordinary people plus the army were interested with reforms. Militarism attracted many people and military groups started to be formed in japan, for instance the military officers met to discuss political affairs. They formed the society called “Issekikai” or One Evening Society. The society was organised in 1929 by 1929 by General Hideki Tojo, Nagata Tetsuzan, Yamashita Tomoyuki, Doihara Kenji, Ishiwara Kanji and Komoto Daisaku. There was another military organisation formed in 1930, the “Sakurakai” organised by Hashimoto Kingoro (1890-1954), this involved about 100 army officers with an inclusion of General Tatekawa.
Extremist actions increased in Japan in 1930’s and that became the error of militarism in japan, for example in March 1931 the millitary group tried to coup against the government. The conspirators involved Hashimoto Kingoro, Okawa Shumei, General Koiso Kuniaki, General Tatekawa and General Sugiyama (the Vice Minister of War). Another event occurred in September 1931 in which the army officials wanted to assassinate Prime Minister Wakatsuki and others.
The “Blood Brotherhood League” was another extreme group exterme group which aimed to destroy the existing order by means of terror. The league had a support of Uchida Ryodei, Toyama Mitsuru and the top leader was a Budhist Monk Inoue Nissho (1886-1967). The league planned to assassinate Inukai, Wakatsuki, Inoue Junosuke, and Dan Takuma and by 1932 succeeded to assassinate Inoue Junosuke, and Dan Takuma.
Increase of extremist actions marked a new era of dictatorship in Japan and an end of Parliamentary Sytem and Party Government. The most irritating event occurred on May 15, 1932 when Prime Minister Inukai was assassinated, that event marked an end of Party Government, and Dictatorship came into open in Japan.
Before 1931 Japanese government was a democratic country with a constitutional parliamentary system with a cabinet under a Prime Minister. The invasion of Manchuria a large province of China by Japanese army units in 1931 marked the introduction of military involvement in government. The Japanese army units invaded and occupied Manchuria without the permission from the government to preserve Japanese economic sector which was threatened by the the Chinese and from there the Japanese adopted dictatorship government as that of Italy and Germany.
The Pictures of Generals in the Imperial Japanese Army "The Kwantung Army"
After the First World War, Japan was in a strong position in the Far East. Japan benefited much from the First World War, while European states were busy with the war, Japan provided the allies with shipping and other goods. During the war years her export of cotton cloth almost trebled and her merchant fleet doubled and her merchant fleet in tonnage. As the days went on, Japanese political affairs started to change.
The moment economic problems visited Japan, Parliamentary System was a driving force. Most of the ordinary people plus the army were interested with reforms. Militarism attracted many people and military groups started to be formed in japan, for instance the military officers met to discuss political affairs. They formed the society called “Issekikai” or One Evening Society. The society was organised in 1929 by 1929 by General Hideki Tojo, Nagata Tetsuzan, Yamashita Tomoyuki, Doihara Kenji, Ishiwara Kanji and Komoto Daisaku. There was another military organisation formed in 1930, the “Sakurakai” organised by Hashimoto Kingoro (1890-1954), this involved about 100 army officers with an inclusion of General Tatekawa.
Extremist actions increased in Japan in 1930’s and that became the error of militarism in japan, for example in March 1931 the millitary group tried to coup against the government. The conspirators involved Hashimoto Kingoro, Okawa Shumei, General Koiso Kuniaki, General Tatekawa and General Sugiyama (the Vice Minister of War). Another event occurred in September 1931 in which the army officials wanted to assassinate Prime Minister Wakatsuki and others.
The “Blood Brotherhood League” was another extreme group exterme group which aimed to destroy the existing order by means of terror. The league had a support of Uchida Ryodei, Toyama Mitsuru and the top leader was a Budhist Monk Inoue Nissho (1886-1967). The league planned to assassinate Inukai, Wakatsuki, Inoue Junosuke, and Dan Takuma and by 1932 succeeded to assassinate Inoue Junosuke, and Dan Takuma.
Increase of extremist actions marked a new era of dictatorship in Japan and an end of Parliamentary Sytem and Party Government. The most irritating event occurred on May 15, 1932 when Prime Minister Inukai was assassinated, that event marked an end of Party Government, and Dictatorship came into open in Japan.
Before 1931 Japanese government was a democratic country with a constitutional parliamentary system with a cabinet under a Prime Minister. The invasion of Manchuria a large province of China by Japanese army units in 1931 marked the introduction of military involvement in government. The Japanese army units invaded and occupied Manchuria without the permission from the government to preserve Japanese economic sector which was threatened by the the Chinese and from there the Japanese adopted dictatorship government as that of Italy and Germany.
The Pictures of Generals in the Imperial Japanese Army "The Kwantung Army"
Key Features of
the Japanese Dictatorship System
1. The system favoured chauvinism. This is about prejudiced belief in the superiority of the Japan’s race. The system of Japan inspired japanism in the sense that japan would turn to her true character and values which have been eroded by the artificial ideas imported from the West by evil advisor to the emperor. Then, through Japanism, they aimed to extend their influence of the imperial way through the World. Some japanese like Okawa Shumei (1886-1957) inspired Chauvinistic feelings. He said, “It is my belief that the heaven has chosen Japan as the champion of the East”. Source: Mikiso Hane 1992:250.
2. Expansionism.
Japan had a belief that, through expanding beyond can provide relief to her people. Several army officialls including Ishiwara Kanji of the Kwantung Army supported the expansionist behavior of Japan. Then, Japanese expansion was insipired with the ambition to have places for surplus population. One Jangoist, known as Colonel Hashimoto Kingoro admitted that, “We are like a great crowd of people packed into a small and narrow room”
Kita Ikki (1883-1937) was another man who inspired Japanese expansionism. In 1923, he wrote a “Plan for Reorganization of Japan”. He called for radical reorganization of political, social and economic affairs plus expansionism of Japan. He proposed that, Japan would expand to Australia and Eastern Siberia. But on 18th September 1931, Japan invaded Manchuria.
3. The system in Japan was full of assassinations and conspiracies.
Expansion of extreme groups in Japan influenced several assassinations. For instance, by 1932 Inoue Junnosuke, and Dan Takuma had been killed, and on 15th May 1932 Prime Minister Inukai was assassinated.
4. Dictatorship in Japan was anti-communist.
Communists and other critical thinkers were expelled, for instance Professor Takigawa Yukitoki was a Law Proffessor being being expelled from Kyoto University because he wrote critical works. He was prevented from publishing books until the post war era. Then, General Araki Sadao (1877-1966) advocated the idea of Japanism and rejected Marxism and Materialsm in Japan, such an attitude threw away the communist ideas within Japan. Also Japan was in poor terms with Soviet Union and in 1939 joined the Commintern Pact with Italy and Germany.
5. The system opposed democracy.
Dictatorship in Japan was anti-democratic. Most of the army officials and some common people had no interest with the Parliamentary System. The Party Government ended in Japan on 15th May 1932 when the Parliamentary Prime Minister was assassinated. Political Parties and free elections came into open in the post war era in the post war era. Several parties emerged including the Democratic Party under Hatoyama Ichiro, Liberal Party under Yoshida Shigeru and others.
6. The system was militarist.
Most of the army officials supported and maintained the use of military force, for example the Kwantung army offocials like Hagaki and Ishiwara supported militarism. Others were the officials of the “Issekikai” including General Hideki Tojo, Nagata Hagaki and others, they inspired militarism in Japan. Through that principle, Japan became a military state and between 1931 and 1935 the arms expenditure rose two and a half times. On this area of military affairs, Japan aimed..... “Naval supremacy in the Western Pacific and superiority over the Soviet army in the Soviet army in the Far East”. Source: Mikiso Hane: 1986:267
Driving Forces for the Rise of Dictatorship in Japan
Many politicians in Japan were corrupt and regulary accepted bribes from big business, sometimes fighting broke out in the lower house (the diet) as charges and counter charges of corruption were flung above to verify this. Corruption was a crucial problem in Japan, some government officials took bribes from a Major Rayon Company. An event led to Saito’s resigning in July 1934, he was a Prime Minister after Inukai. The corruption made military dictatorship inevitable in Japan.
2. Influential groups opposed democracy in Japan
As pointed before that, most of the army officials were not interested with the party government. They wanted radical reforms under military system. Such men with extremist view were, General Hideki Tojo, Doihara Kenji and others. The army criticized Prime Minister Baron Shidehara Kijuro (1924-27) for his conciliatory approach to China. So, the army was itching to interfere in China which was torn with civil war.
3. End of the trade boom became a bridge to expansion of militarism in Japan.
This is about the result of First World War, as the great trading boom of the war years lasted only until the middle of 1921, when Europe begun to revive and recover the lost markets. In Japan, unemployment and industrial unrest developed and at the same time farmers were hit by the rapid falling price of rice caused by series of bumper harvests. When farmers and industrial workers tried to organize themselves into a political party, they were ruthless suppressed by the police. Thus, the workers and the army and the right gradually became hostile to the parliament which pose a democratic but allowed the left to be suppressed and accepted bribes from big business.
4. Influence of fascism from other countries
The Japanese observed success of Italy after creation of a police state. With such an influence, they started to ignore the constitutional government and step towards a police state as in Italy. In Italy, Fascism under Benito Mussolini came into open on 28th October 1922. Within a short time, the fascists succeeded economically hence army officials were attracted in Japan to do same to Italy.
5. The Great Economic Depression, 1929-1933
The Great Economic Depression affected Japanese economy. For example USA introduced tariffs against Japanese goods so as to safeguard her industries which were falling due to economic depression. Furthermore Japanese witnessed unemployment, low wages and shortage of food. The majority like workers and peasants blamed their government hence were attracted to fascism system in order to solve their problems.
The Great Economic Depression had an influence. The G.E.D of 1929 to 1933 affected Japan in several ways. Several Japanese exports shrank disastrously and other countries introduced and raised tariffs against her to safeguard their own industries. Raw silk formerly exported to the United States of America was badly affected due to the Wall Street Crash, the Americans drastically reduced their imports of raw silk, so that by 1932 the price had fallen to less than 1/5 of 1923 figure. Such a catastrophe affected directly the farmers who relied for their livelihood on the production of raw silk as well as rice. Peasants and workers blamed the government and big businessmen, poverty increased specifically in the North. Most of the army recruits were peasants, consequently the rank and file as well as the officer class was disgusted with what they took to be weak parliamentary government. As early as 1927 officers were attracted by fascism and were planning to seize power and introduce a strong central government as a solution to economic problems.
6. Weakness of League of Nations acted as a trigger
The League of Nations was formed after the First World War for the main purpose of maintaining World peace. For the case of Japan, the League of Nations failed to curb extremist actions. On September 18, 1931 Japanese Kwantung Army invaded Manchuria but the League of Nations failed to take any material action on the matter. Such league’s appeasement influenced the rise of extremist in Japan.
7. The case of Manchuria was more influential
Manchuria was the right Chinese province. To Japan, the province was important as a source relief for Japanese people specifically during the Great Economic Depression. Officials of the Kwantung Army were advocates of Manchuria, including Ishiwara Kanji and Itagaki Seishiro. So, the Japanese placed heavy investments at Manchuria. At the same time, the Chinese were trying to squeeze out Japanese trade and business which would have been a severe blow to Japanese economy already hard it by the depression. To preserve their economic potentials, the Japanese army units “The Kwantung Army” invaded Manchuria on September 18, 1931 without permission from the government. So, from that time, Japan started to practice extremist actions and the army started to control the state affairs by ignoring the party government.
8. The disappointment over the Versailles Treaty of 1919
In this meeting the Japanese were denied racial equality and was not recognized as a powerful nation like Britain, France and USA. Apart from many advantages gained by Japanese in the meeting like given power over Pacific Micronesia and Shandong Province but the Japanese was not satisfied hence decided to prefer military leaders.
9. Fear of communist political groups
The Kanto earthquake of 1923 caused fire out break which affected the city of Tokyo.The Koreans and Chinese who were living in Japan were believed by the Army and the police to have started the fire with the assistant of communists and socialists. Most of them were killed in response, the communists and socialists were arrested because of inciting the Koreans to riot.
10. The elite influence.
The elite in Japan opposed democracy. For example the elite insisted the army to assassinate civilian leaders who supported democracy. In 1932 Inukai Tsuyoshi who was a Prime Minister was assassinated after he tried to arrest the Japanese army in Manchuria. It was influenced by the elite.
11. The weakness of the Emperor
Hirohito was the Japanese Emperor who was weak, he did not restrain the military actions and attacks like that of Manchuria because he was afraid to be ignored by the army with this the development of democracy was difficult in Japan under his leadership
12. The weakness of parliamentary system
The system limited the powers of the Prime Minister and the cabinet.The emperor was given power to dissolve a parliament at any time he think to do so also the military were responsible to himself only. The civilian leaders were powerless to the army even when they violate rule of laws.
"Hirohito (1901-1989) was emperor of Japan from 1926 until his death in 1989. He took over at a time of rising democratic sentiment, but his country soon turned toward ultra-nationalism and militarism. During World War II (1939-45), Japan attacked nearly all of its Asian neighbors, allied itself with Nazi Germany and launched a surprise assault on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor.
Though Hirohito later portrayed himself as a virtually powerless constitutional monarch, many scholars have come to believe he played an active role in the war effort. After Japan’s surrender in 1945, he became a figurehead with no political power"
"Doihara Kenji, 8 August 1883 – 23 December 1948) was a general in the Imperial Japanese Armyin World War II. He was instrumental in the Japanese invasion of Manchuria for which he earned fame taking the nickname "Lawrence of Manchuria," a reference to Lawrence of Arabia.
As a leading intelligence officer, he played a key role to the Japanese machinations that led to the occupation of large parts of China, the destabilization of the country, and the disintegration of the traditional structure of Chinese society to diminish reaction to the Japanese plans by using highly-unconventional methods. He became the mastermind of the Manchurian drug trade and the real boss and sponsor behind every kind of gang and underworld activity in China.
After the end of World War II, he was prosecuted for war crimes in the International Military Tribunal for the Far East. He was found guilty, sentenced to death, and hanged in December 1948"
THE COMPARISONS BETWEEN THE DICTATORSHIP GOVERNMENT IN GERMANY, ITALY AND JAPANESE
a) Their Similarities in their Internal and Foreign Policies
The dictators liked wars for expansion of their territories. For example the Japanese arrested the communists and Socialists for supporting Koreans riots
(ii) They struggled to make their countries self suffient.
The dictators countries were suffered by the great economic depression, WWW I and the terms of Versailles Treaty hence they struggled to build their economy through industries, agriculture and improving infrastructure
(iii) Racism. In Germany Adolf Hitler segregated the Jews who lived in Germany also Benito Mussolini was a racist. The Japanese segregated the Koreans and Chinese
(iv) They attempted to organize a totalitarian state. For example they burned political parties, freedom of speech and controlled countries economic sectors like agriculture and industries.
(v) They were extremists. In Japan the Socialists and communists were arrested without apparent reasons while in Italy under Benito Mussolini the opponents were suffered furthermore in Germany they were murdered. For example Nazi murdered millions of Jews
(vi) They were expansionists. The Japanese invaded Manchuria in 1931, Italy under Mussolini invaded Greece (Corfu) in 1923, Ethiopia in 1935 and Albania in 1939 while Hitler invaded Austria and Sudetenland in 1938, Czechoslovakia and Poland in 1939.
(vii) They strengthened strong and large armies.
b) Their Differences in their Internal and Foreign Policies
The Germany system was more ruthless as because the Nazi killed many people. The Italy and Japanese dictators assassinated few opponents compared to Germany
(ii) The constitutional system.
The Prime Minister in Italy and Japan were still remained although the Japanese Prime Minister was powerless compared to Benito Mussolini who was strong to the extent of ignoring King Victor Emmanuel. But in Germany Hitler was a top leader and no one to criticise his decisions
(iii) Religious tolerance.
Hitler was totally against religion and the church he closed some of the churches who criticised him. The Japanese tolerant to religion activities while Benito Mussolini had a compromise with the church. For example in 1929 signed a treaty with the Pope of not interfering the churches’ activities.
(iv) Fascism position.
The fascism policies took place in Japan and Italy but not in Germany
(v) The timing and the influence of Great Depression (1929-1933).
The Great Depression was not a cause for the rise of Italy as it came to power in 1922.But Germany and Japanese dictatorship were helped by the great depression to win mass support as they promised their people to solve their problems caused by the great depression like shortage of food, unemployment, inflation and poor provision of social services
(v) The level of achievement reached. Germany reached self sufficiency because the Nazi made tremendous economic progress compared to Italy and Japan who were suffered with low level of development in industries, agriculture and poor provision of social services
The Prime Minister in Italy and Japan were still remained although the Japanese Prime Minister was powerless compared to Benito Mussolini who was strong to the extent of ignoring King Victor Emmanuel. But in Germany Hitler was a top leader and no one to criticise his decisions
(iii) Religious tolerance.
Hitler was totally against religion and the church he closed some of the churches who criticised him. The Japanese tolerant to religion activities while Benito Mussolini had a compromise with the church. For example in 1929 signed a treaty with the Pope of not interfering the churches’ activities.
(iv) Fascism position.
The fascism policies took place in Japan and Italy but not in Germany
(v) The timing and the influence of Great Depression (1929-1933).
The Great Depression was not a cause for the rise of Italy as it came to power in 1922.But Germany and Japanese dictatorship were helped by the great depression to win mass support as they promised their people to solve their problems caused by the great depression like shortage of food, unemployment, inflation and poor provision of social services
(v) The level of achievement reached. Germany reached self sufficiency because the Nazi made tremendous economic progress compared to Italy and Japan who were suffered with low level of development in industries, agriculture and poor provision of social services
- READ TOPIC 5: THE RISE OF SOCIALISM
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