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ICSE Class 10 The Rise of Dictatorship in Europe Questions and Answers
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The Rise of Dictatorship in Europe Questions and Answers
Short Answer Type Questions
(1) Define dictatorship.
Ans. Dictatorship is military rule forced over a country without popular consent. It is an anti-thesis of democracy. It envisages one party rule controlled by one leader with complete authority. Dictatorship denies rights and freedom to the people and tolerates neither opposition nor criticism.
(2) Name the countries where dictatorship rose after the First World War.
Ans. The two countries where dictatorship rose after the First World War were Italy and Germany. Even Russia came under Communist dictatorship after the Revolution of 1917. Both Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy aided dictatorship of General Franco in Spain.
(3) What kind of totalitarian behaviour did the dictator nations exhibit?
Ans. The totalitarian countries were quite similar in their outlook as they ‘dictated’ the total behaviour of their citizens. Everywhere these countries threatened their neighbouring countries. They refused to work with the League of Nations except on their own terms. In brief, they sacrified the individual for the sake of the State.
(4) Why were the Italians dissatisfied with Treaty of Versailles ?
Ans. Italy had joined the First World War on the side of Britain and France in 1915 as she hoped to get large territories such as Trentino, Trieste, Istria, Fiume, coastal regions of Dalmatia, Albania and some parts of Germany and Turkey after their victory. But the Paris Peace Treaties gave her nothing from the defeated German and Turkish empires. So, Italians developed a feeling of dissatisfaction.
(5) On which side did Italy fight in the First World War? When did she enter the War?
Ans. Italy fought the War on the side of the Allies (Britain and France) in 1915.
(6) What were the two main complaints of the people about the working of the democratic government in Italy ?
Ans. (i) The democratic government in Italy failed to check economic crisis pertaining to war debts and budget deficits. Unemployment and inflation hit the nation badly. (ii) The masses resorted to strikes and agrarian riots. The workers broke the machinery and captured the factories. The Italian democratic government proved incapable to handle the labour unrest.
(7) Why did Italy give up the membership of the League of Nations and when ?
Ans. Soon after Mussolini consolidated his fascist rule, Italy turned an aggressor. With the Treaty of Laussane in 1923, Mussolini aquired the islands of Rhodes and Dodecanese. He took over the city of Fiume from Yugoslavia in 1924. He captured Abyssinia in 1936. League of Nations objected such moves and laid restrictions on Italy. So, Italy left the League in 1936 to pursue it’s expansionist policies.
(8) How did Mussolini bring political stability in Italy?
Ans. There came a series of six short-lived coalition governments in Italy, from 1919 to 1922 with neither consistency nor continuity in their policies. People wanted strong leadership to handle the crisis. This was provided by the Fascist Party under their leader, Benito Mussolini. He emphasized that a strong State was necessary to take the Italian nation forward. Benito Mussolini supported aggressive nationalism.
(9) What is Fascism? How did the word ‘Fascism’ originate?
Ans. Fascism was an intensely nationalistic, anti-communistic and antidemocratic movement. The Fascists believed in having a powerful dictator holding power both total in character and unlimited in time. The word, Fascism is derived from the Italian word, ‘Fasces’, meaning a bundle of wooden rods with an axe in the middle, signifying strength, unity and authority to punish the wrong doers.
(10) State the principles of Fascism?
Ans. Mussolini advocated War-worship, Leader-worship and State-worship. The Principles of Fascism :
(i) Opposition to democracy and communism.
(ii) Total stress on duties and obedience to the ‘State Authority’.
(iii) Extreme patriotism and militarisation.
(iv) Imperialism is eternal law of life.
(v) State was more important than the individual.
(vi) Suppression of individual rights and liberties.
(11) State the aggresive actions of Mussolini which threatened peace?
Ans. (i) Treaty of Lateran with the Pope – The Pope accepted subordinate position to the Fascist state led by Mussolini and recognised his suzerainty over Italy.
(ii) Rebuildinig military – Military trainning was made compulsory. Naval power was enhanced.
(iii) Imperialism – Regained the islands of Rhodes and Dodecanese in 1923 and city of Fiume from Yugoslavia in 1924. He turned Albania into a protectorate and captured Abyssinia in 1936.
(12) Which domestic policies of Fascist Italy restricted people’s rights?
Ans. (i) Curbed political freedom.
(ii) Political parties except the Fascists were banned.
(iii) Press was censored.
(iv) Freedom of speech prohibited.
(v) Crushed opponents brutally.
(13) State two similarities between Nazism and Fascism.
Ans. The two main principles of Nazism and Fascism were :
(a) Both ideologies were anti-communistic, anti-democratic and intensely nationalistic.
(b) Both advocated rule of single party and a single leader with full authority.
(14) Who formed the Fascist Party in Italy and when ?
Ans. Benito Mussolini formed the Fascist Party in Italy in March 1919.
(15) What is meant by Mussolini’s famous ‘March on Rome’ in 1922 ?
Ans. Seeing the disorder caused by the communists in 1922, Mussolini organised his ‘March on Rome’. Thousands of the Fascist armed men, called as Blackshirts, attacked Rome on October 27, 1922. They took over police stations, municipalities and factories in their way. King Victor Emmanuel III was forced to invite Mussolini to become Prime Minister. The King gradually became the nominal head, while Mussolini the real ruler of Italy.
(16) How did Mussolini become the Prime Minister of Italy and when?
Ans. Italy suffered from political instability after WWI. Between 1919 to 1922, six coalition governments had collapsed. Since democracy weakened, this situation was fully exploited by the Fascists. They attacked Rome and pressurised the Government to quit. King Victor Emmanuel III was forced to invite Mussolini to form the Government. The then Prime Minister Luigi Factor resigned. Thus Mussolini captured power in October 1922.
(17) What name or title did Mussolini give to himself after he became the party leader ?
Ans. Mussolini gave himself the title of ‘Duce’ which means the leader of the country. He bound the nation with his charismatic personality, wild assurances and determination.
(18) How did the Fascists look upon the rights and liberties of the people?
Ans. The Fascists suppressed the freedom of speech and laid severe censorship on press. Strikes were banned and other political parties were outlawed. Thus the rights and liberties of the people were crushed.
(19) What did Mussolini do to restore law and order in Italy ?
Ans. Mussolini presented himself as a bulwark against communist revolution that threatened Italy. He used the Fascios (volunteer groups who used violence) as strike-breakers to control chaos and anarchy.
(20) What did the Fascist regime in Italy do to solve the unemployment problem ?
Ans. (i) Factories and mills were nationalised to improve the lot of workers.
(ii) Public works programmes like building roads, bridges, railways, canals, hospitals were promoted.
(iii) Syndicates were established to improve relations between capitalists and workers.
(21) Mention any two steps taken by Mussolini to make Italy a great power.
Ans. (i) He made military training compulsory for the youth.
(ii) He followed a vigorous and aggressive foreign policy with a view to enhance the prestige and glory of Italy in the world community.
(22) How did Mussolini meet his end and when ?
Ans. Italy was defeated by Britain and France during the Second World War in 1943 and Rome was conquered by the Allies in 1944. Mussolini’s opponents captured him and killed him in 1945.
(23) Describe the political instability that prevailed in Germany post World War I ?
Ans. A revolution broke out in Germany after WWI and Kaiser William II fled to Holland. The Weimar Repulic established thereafter failed to provide stability. There were as many as 21 ministries headed by 12 Prime Ministers between 1919 to 1933, but in vain. The people looked upon the Weimar Republic as a symbol of national disgrace and betrayal of the German people.
(24) State the Nazi principles as mentioned in Mein Kampf ?
Ans. Nazi principles (Mein Kampf)
(i) Opposition to democracy.
(ii) Opposition to Communism.
(iii) Supremacy to the German race which had Nordic Aryan blood.
(iv) Hatred towards Jews.
(v) Restore German prestige.
(25) How did Hitler consolidate his political power in Germany?
Ans. By 1933 he manipulated his way to become the Chancellor. President Hindenburg died on August 2, 1934. Hitler combined the two posts of President and Prime Minister in himself and adopted the title of ‘Fuhrer’ (the leader). He dissolved the federal governments and established the Third Reich (1933 – 1945). Hitler inducted Storm-Troopers known as SA men or Brown shirts, SS men (Schutz Staffel) or Black guards and Gestapo, a secret police as instruments of Nazi control.
(26) Discuss the similarities in Fascism and Nazism ?
Ans. (i) Totalitarianism and Opposition of Democracy.
(ii) Aggressive nationalism and expansionist policies.
(iii) Racial superiority.
(iv) Anti Semitism.
(v) Opposition to Individualism.
(vi) Anti communism.
(vii) Glorification of force and brutality.
(27) What is the meaning of Blitz Krieg ?
Ans. Blitz Krieg means to attack with lightning speed. The strategy was to first go on a continual aerial bombing attack and destroy the entire transport system, defence system and industrial centres of the enemy nation and break the morale of the enemy. After the collapse of morale a very disciplined armed force, along with a huge fleet of tanks, would attack the territory of the enemy under cover of the air force. The strategy of sustained attack was designed to compel the enemy to surrender. This war strategy was adopted by Hitler between 1939 and 1941.
disciplined armed force, along with a huge fleet of tanks, would attack the territory of the enemy under cover of the air force. The strategy of sustained attack was designed to compel the enemy to surrender. This war strategy was adopted by Hitler between 1939 and 1941.
(28) State the condition of common man in Italy post WWI ?
Ans. The common man was expecting political and economic power would come into his hands that was in the possession of aristocracies, traditionally, before First World War, but he was not rewarded and his economic needs were not addresed after the war. Promises were ignored and he felt bitter.
(29) How was Germany’s experience with democracy before Hitler ?
Ans. Between 1919 – 1933, there were 21 ministries, headed by 12 chancellors that failed to solve the problems faced by Germany.
(30) How did the growing fear of communism help in the growth of Nazism ?
Ans. German communists captured many seats in Reichstag. Hitler warned Germans that if communists will come to power then Russian interference in Germany would increase. He pursuaded Germans that Nazism alone can check the growing influence of comunism.
(31) With reference to the principles of Fascism, discuss the attitude towards democracy.
Ans. Anti-democratic. (i) All other parties except for the Fascist party were outlawed.
(ii) Opposition was brutally crushed and criticism was not tolerated.
(iii) Legislature was controlled and electoral system was manipulated.
(32) Explain Anti individualism as feature of Fascism.
Ans. Anti individualism (i) They suppressed popular rights and liberties.
(ii) Freedom of speech was curbed and press was censored, organising meetings was forbidden.
(iii) Trade unions were banned. Unionist were arrested and executed.
(iv) State was more important than the individual.
(33) Explain the tactics of Nazi propaganda.
Ans. (i) Failure of democracy combined with economic crisis worked in the favour of Nazi party’s propaganda against Weimar Republic.
(ii) He used education, press and radio for propagation of his ideas.
(iii) He made use of war planes and popularised ‘Swastika’ during elections.
(34) How did the Treaty of Versailles lead to rise of Nazism?
Ans. The Treaty of Versailles imposed very humiliating terms on Germany, like paying huge war penalties to the victors, ceding chunks of German territory to them including her overseas colonies and disbanding German armies. The Treaty of Versailles was signed by the officers of the Weimar Republic in Paris in 1919.
(35) How did the disastrous economic situation of Germany give rise to Nazism?
Ans. Unemployment inflation, price-rise, ruin of German trade and industry coupled with general World Depression 1929 had created an economic disaster of the worst order in Germany. The Government’s policy of borrowing failed to solve the economic crisis. To cap it all Germany was to pay heavy War reparations out of her crippled economy. Hitler promised relief to the people on the economic front and he won their confidence.
(36) List the similiar causes for the rise of Nazism and Fascism
Ans. (i) Discontent the Treaty of Versailles.
(ii) Economic crisis – unemployment and decline in production in agriculture and trade.
(iii) Hatred for democratic principles and preference for totalitarian system and one party rule.
(iv) Fear of the spread of Communism.
(v) Political instability and class conflict between the aristocrats and the common people.
(vi) Failure of the League of Nations.
Structured Questions
(1) With reference to Fascism, discuss the following :
(a) Meaning of Fascism.
(b) Principles of Fascism.
(c) Fascist Propaganda.
Ans. (a) (i) Fascism was an intensely nationalistic, anti-communistic and antidemocratic movement. The Fascists believed in having a powerful dictator holding power both total in character and unlimited in time.
(ii) The word, Fascism is derived from the Italian word, ‘Fasces’, meaning a bundle of wooden rods with an axe in the middle, signifying strength, unity and authority to punish the wrong doers.
(b) The Principles of Fascism :
(i) Opposition to democracy and communism.
(ii) Total stress on duties and obedience to the ‘State Authority’.
(iii) Extreme patriotism and militarisation.
(iv) Imperialism is eternal law of life.
(v) State was more important than the individual.
(vi) Suppression of individual rights and liberties. Thus Mussolini advocated War-worship, Leader-worship and Stateworship.
(c) Mussolini emphasized that a strong state was necessary to take Italian nation forward. He supported aggressive nationalism. He believed that a nation emerges stronger through war and by conquering weaker nations. He attracted people from all strata, e.g., ex-soldiers, farmers, workers etc. They formed violent groups called Fascios. Moreover, the industrialists and capitalists were willing to give him financial help if he fought against the Communists.
(2) With reference to the Rise of Fascism discuss the causes :
(a) Economic crisis in Italy.
(b) Impact on working of the government.
(c) Dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Versailles.
Ans. (a) The war had caused a great economic strain on Italy’s economy :
(i) Thousands of war veterans were unemployed after the war.
(ii) The employed workers were under-paid and their working conditions were not satisfactory.
(iii) There was a steep price rise and inflation in the country.
(iv) There were frequent strikes, lock-outs, food riots.
(v) War debts and deficit budgets hit them worst.
(vi) Italy suffered from industrial and trade recession.
(b) In 1919, a democratic government was introduced in Italy. But there came series of short-lived coalition governments with neither consistency nor continuity in their policies. These governments failed to deal with lawlessness and food riots in the country. The workers broke the machinery and captured the factories. The industrialists who were sick of the labour unrest and sabotages financed the ‘Fascios’ to break these industrial strikes.
(c) Italy had joined the First World War on the side of Britain and France in 1915. She hoped to get large territories such as Trentino, Trieste, Istria, Fiume, coastal regions of Dalmatia, Albania and some parts of Germany and Turkey after their victory. But the Paris Peace Treaties gave her nothing from the defeated German and Turkish empires. Hence Italians felt badly cheated by their wartime Allies.
(2) With reference to the Rise of Fascism discuss the causes :
(a) Economic crisis in Italy.
(b) Impact on working of the government.
(c) Dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Versailles.
Ans. (a) The war had caused a great economic strain on Italy’s economy :
(i) Thousands of war veterans were unemployed after the war.
(ii) The employed workers were under-paid and their working conditions were not satisfactory.
(iii) There was a steep price rise and inflation in the country.
(iv) There were frequent strikes, lock-outs, food riots.
(v) War debts and deficit budgets hit them worst.
(vi) Italy suffered from industrial and trade recession.
(b) In 1919, a democratic government was introduced in Italy. But there came series of short-lived coalition governments with neither consistency nor continuity in their policies. These governments failed to deal with lawlessness and food riots in the country. The workers broke the machinery and captured the factories. The industrialists who were sick of the labour unrest and sabotages financed the ‘Fascios’ to break these industrial strikes.
(c) Italy had joined the First World War on the side of Britain and France in 1915. She hoped to get large territories such as Trentino, Trieste, Istria, Fiume, coastal regions of Dalmatia, Albania and some parts of Germany and Turkey after their victory. But the Paris Peace Treaties gave her nothing from the defeated German and Turkish empires. Hence Italians felt badly cheated by their wartime Allies.
(3) With reference to the impact of Fascism, explain the following :
(a) Restoration of law and order.
(b) Economic reforms
(c) Aggressive Foreign Policy under Mussolini.
Ans. (a) Inspired by the Russian Revolution, the Communists inflamed the atmosphere with revolutionary ideas. Peasants took away the land from landlords; workmen organised strikes, damaged machines and took hold of the factories. The communists began to devise new plans of overthorowing the government and capturing power. Mussolini presented himself as a bulwark against communist revolution that threatened Italy. He used the Fascios (volunteer groups who used violence) as strike-breakers to control chaos and anarchy. Thus he maintained law and order.
(b) Economic reforms :
(i) Reduced government expenditure
(ii) Improved transport and communication
(iii) Reclaimed land and increased agricultural yield.
(iv) Set up many factories.
(v) Stall further devaluation of the Italian currency.
(vi) Set up hydroelectric power plants.
(vii) Factories and mills were nationalised.
(viii) Syndicates were established to improve relations between the capitalists and workers.
(ix) Public works programme – roads, bridges, canals, railways, schools, hospitals, etc.
(c) Aggressive Foreign policies :
(i) Regained the islands of Rhodes and Dodecanese in 1923.
(ii) Acquired city of Fiume from Yugoslavia in 1924.
(iii) He turned Albania into a protectorate and captured Abyssinia in 1936.
(iv) Supported the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco in Spain and associated Germany in ‘Berlin-Rome-Tokyo Axis’ against communism.
(4) With reference to rise of Hitler and rise of Nazism in Germany, discuss :
(a) Humiliating terms of the Treaty of Versailles towards Germany.
(b) Economic crisis in Germany after the First World War.
(c) Hitler’s personality and his propaganda campaign.
Ans. (a) (i) Germany was held guilty of aggression. A war-indemnity of 33 billion dollars as compensation was forced upon it.
(ii) Rhine Valley was to be demilitarised.
(iii) Germany was to return Alsace and Lorraine to France; Eupen and Malmedy to Belgium and Schleswig to Denmark. Danzig was to be a free port in the Polish territory.
(iv) France was given full control over the rich coal mines in the Saar basin.
(v) Germany lost all her colonies to the victors. Example : Britain and France shared regions of Togoland and the Cameroon in Africa. While Japan was given the Shantung and Kiao-Chow in China. New Zealand was given Samoa Islands.
(vi) The German army was disbanded. Only one lakh soldiers were permitted. German navy was limited to 15,000 men and 24 ships only. Use of submarines and air force was banned. (vii) Germany had to cede to the Allies her merchant ships as compensation and supply huge quantities of coal to France, Italy and Belgium for ten years. Such harsh terms humilitated and embittered Germany. To avenge the same the Germans allowed Adolf Hitler to establish his rule.
(b) Germany had to suffer the following economic crisis after the First World War : As a result of the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany had to suffer in agricultural production, colonies foreign investment, trade contracts, etc. The foreign countries raised tariffs against the German goods. The number of unemployed people increased. The condition of the farmers became miserable. By June 1931, debts on farmers had risen to $300 milion. There were other economic hazards in form of :-
(i) Unemployment
(ii) Hyperinflation
(iii) Ruination of German trade and industry
(iv) Economic depression 1929.
(c) An Austrian by birth, Adolf Hitler became the leader of Nazi party. He had an influential personality. He was a tireless worker and an able organiser. He was an excellent orator as well. Hitler blamed the Weimer Republic for accepting the humiliating Treaty of Versailles and vowed to overturn its clauses. His bombastic speeches appealed to the emotions of the crowds who wanted to get rid of the embarrassment caused due to WWI. Thus the Nazi party won elections of 1932 by 13 million votes due to his huge propaganda.
(5) In the light of principle of Nazism and aims of Hitler, discuss :
(a) Nazi attitude towards State and opponents.
(b) Attitude towards Jews and their treatment by Hitler.
(c) Attitude towards civilian liberties.
Ans. (a) (i) Hitler believed in a Totalitarian State. He emphasised that only a centralised dictatorial rule can save the nation.
(ii) He demanded the people to make sacrifices for the nation and render an unquestioned loyalty towards the State.
(iii) The other political parties were either outlawed or forced to dissolve since he opposed multiparty system.
(iv) Opponents were targetted and executed by the Gestapo.
(b) Hitler believed that Germans had to face defeat in the First World War because of the Jewish conspiracy.
(i) The Jews were deprived of German citizenship.
(ii) They were removed from government services.
(iii) Jews were also prohibited to practise medicine, law etc.
(iv) Jewish families were banished from their homes and systematically slaughtered in concentration camps.
(v) Jewish shops were looted and properties were confiscated.
(vi) Synagogues were set to fire.
(c) Attitude towards Civilian liberties.
(i) Hitler put an end to civil liberties. Those who were suspected of opposing him were treated harshly. Strict censor was imposed on books, the press and the cinema. All anti-Nazi books and magazines were consigned to fire.
(6) With reference to Nazism in Germany discuss Hitler’s domestic and foreign policies
(a) Hitler’s Domestic Policies :
(i) Set up a strong State :
(ii) Economic Reforms and Development Work :
(iii) Anti-Semitic Policies :
(b) Hitler’s Foreign Policies :
(i) Disregarded the Treaty of Versailles :
(ii) An imperialist and expansionist foreign policy :
Ans. (a) Hitler’s Domestic Policies :
(i) Set up a strong State : All opposition parties were abolished and criticism was dissolved. Rights and liberties were denied to the people and a secret police, Gestapo spied over everyone. Hitler inducted Storm-Troopers known as SA men or Brown shirts and SS men (Schutz Staffel) or Black guards to enforce Nazi control. By 1933 he became the Chancellor. After the death of President Hindenberg he asumed presidentship in 1934 and was called the ‘Fuhrer’ (the leader). He dissolved the federal governments and established the Third Reich (1933 – 1945).
(ii) Economic Reforms and Development Work : Hitler reconstructed German economy and administration. He created new jobs and expanded the bureaucracy. He encouraged capitalist to increase production and banned the strikes. Import and export were also controlled in order to maintain favourable balance of trade. He annouced price control measures and provided incentives to boost economy.
(iii) Anti-Semitic Policies : Hitler held Jews responsible for the defeat in the First World War. Jews were denied German citizenship, dismissed from government jobs and prohibited from practising medicine, law and many other professions. Their shops were looted and their properties were confiscated. They were banished from their homes and their Synagogues were set to fire. He resorted to genocide and mass murders for the ‘final solution’ of the Jewish problem.
(b) Hitler’s Foreign Policies :
(i) Disregarded the Treaty of Versailles : Hitler started armament in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. He not only stopped the payment of war-indemnity but also took back the territory of Saar from France in 1934 and remilitarised the Rhineland. In 1938, Nazis marched into Austria to annex the German-speaking nation for unfication of Nordics. This was in breach of Treaty of Versailles which had fordidden Germany’s union with Austria.
(ii) An imperialist and expansionist foreign policy : Hitler had imperialist designs and wanted to establish the rule of Swastik in the world. Hitler started group formation. He concluded an Anglo-German naval agreement in 1933. In 1936, he signed a treaty with Italy named Berlin-Rome Axis. Japan also joined the treaty and it was named Berlin-Rome-Tokyo Axis which strengthened his military position. He took over Austria forcibly in 1938 and captured Czechoslovakia for unification of German Nordics.
(7) With reference to Fascism, explain how these factors led to growth of Fascism in Italy :
(a) Communist threat
(b) Failure of League of Nations
(c) Leadership of Mussolini
(d) Class conflicts
Ans. (a) Communist threat :
(i) The Socialists who included the Anarchists, the Communists and the Social Democrats created conditions conducive for the growth of Fascism in Italy.
(ii) Inspired by the Russian Revolution, the Communists inflamed the atmosphere with revolutionary ideas. Peasants took away the land from landlords; workmen organised strikes, damaged machines and took hold of the factories.
(iii) The communists began to devise new plans of overthrowing the government and capturing could establish peace and prosperity by ending lawlessness and insecurity prevalent in Italy.
(iv) The industrialists viewed the growing strength of the labour unions with alarm provided financial support to Fascism. History 136 ICSE X Robomate+
(b) Failure of League of Nations :
(i) After the First World War, the League of Nations was established to maintain peace in the world and to prevent wars.
(ii) But it proved weak and failed to achieve its aims. It failed to check the rise of dictatorships.
(iii) Had it acted well in time, the ambitious plans of Mussolini and Hitler would not have materialisd.
(c) Leadership of Mussolini : Mussolini played a charismatic personality. His speeches praised the past glories of Italy and won the faith of his countrymen. Mussolini was called ‘Duce’ which means the Leader.
(d) Class conflicts :
(i) Class conflict increased in many countries after the First World War. The real issue in most parts of continental Europe was whether control of government and economic systems would continue in the possession of aristocracies or would be in the hands of less privileged majorities.
(ii) The common man had been promised, during the War, that he would be rewarded by greater attention to his economic needs. These promises were ignored and the common man was embittered.
(8) With reference to rise of Nazism, answer the following questions :
(a) Resurgence of militant nationalism
(b) Absence of strong opposition
(c) Establishment of Volunteer Corps
Ans. (a) Resurgence of militant nationalism :
(i) The Germans could not reconcile with the democratic parliamentary system prevailing in their country.
(ii) They preferred prestige and glory to liberty and freedom. They felt that only a strong man could restore the past prestige of Germany and check the rising popularity of Communism. (iii) When Hitler promised them all glory, they welcomed him with open arms.
(b) Absence of strong opposition – The rise of the Nazi Party in Germany was facilitated by the absence of any strong opposition party. As a result, the Nazi Party did not encounter any effective resistance and its popularity achieved great heights.
(c) Establishment of Volunteer Corps –
(i) Under the Treaty of Versailles, Germany’s military force was considerably reduced and a large number of German soldiers were thrown out of employment.
(ii) Hitler roped in all these soldiers and organised them into Volunteer Corps, that served as the party army.
(iii) The members of this Volunteer Corps propagated the programme of the Nazi Party and worked for safeguarding its interests.
(9) Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow :
(a) Identify the leader in the picture.
(b) Explain Political instability in Germany
(c) State the reson for attack on Poland ?
(d) State two similarities between Fascism and Nazism.
Ans. (a) Adolf Hitler
(b) (i) Political instability in Germany : After her defeat in the First World War, a revolution broke out in Germany and there was disorder and lawlessness. Kaiser William II was forced to abdicate and he fled to Holland on November 10,1918.
(ii) Elections were held to the new Constituent Assembly on January 19,1919 which met at Weimar. The Weimar Republic estabilished thereafter, failed to provide stability.
(iii) There were as many as 21 ministries headed by 12 Prime Ministers between 1919 to 1933, but in vain. The people looked upon the Weimar Republic as a symbol of national disgrace and betrayal of the German people.
(c) (i) Hitler invaded Poland because it would connect East Germany with west Germany that was divided due to Danzing corridor.
(ii) The city of Danzing was inhabitated mainly by Germany.
(iii) Poland was accused of committing atrocities against Germans living in Danzing corridor.
(d) Both Fascism and Nazism believed in similar ideologies
(i) One – party and one leader
(ii) Aggressive Nationalism and Imperalism
(iii) Faith in Totalitarian rule
(iv) War for expansion of National interest
(v) Intensely nationalistic, anti-communist and anti-democratic
(vi) Uphold supremacy of the State to suppress fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.
Notes for The Rise of Dictatorship in Europe
• After the WWI democratic government established for short time.
• New autocratic governments took on different forms called dictatorship.
Rise of Fascism in Italy
• Fascism rose under Mussolini
Causes
Discontentment after the Treaty of Versailles:
• Italy hoped that he got some territories after WWI but it was not happen.
• Italy got only Southern Tyrol and the coastal Regions of Dalmatia.
Economic Crisis:
• The national debt increased after WWI.
• The industries were ruined.
• People became poor.
• There was shortage of food grains.
Weak Government:
• People wanted to replace weak government cause policies.
• This feeling of the people helped Fascism to flourish in Italy.
Activities of the Socialists:
• Socialist spread revolutionary ideas.
• The workmen organized strikes.
• People wanted bold leadership.
• The communist plans to capture power.
• This feeling of the people helped Fascism to flourish in Italy.
Political Instability:
• 1919, Democracy was introduced first time.
• No single party could win majority.
• Six coalition governments were framed form 1919 to 1922.
• Fascist took advantage of it.
• LON failed to check the rise of dictatorship.
Efforts of the Nationalists:
• The Landlords, The rich, The Young men and the middle class people comprised in nationalist.
• They wanted to setup powerful government.
• They formed many groups.
• Mussolini organized them into the Fascist Party.
• After the attack of Fascist party at different place, PM resigned in 1922.
• Mussolini formed new government and he was called ‘Duce’
Ideology of Fascism
• It was supporter of one party and one leader.
• All powers should be rested in one leader.
• Control on Private property.
• Fascism was supporter of an imperialist policy.
• Rise of Nazism in Germany
• The new republic faced many problems.
• It gave rise to dictatorship under Adolf Hitler.
Causes
• Humiliating Treaty of Versailles
• This treaty was very harsh.
• This treaty created feeling of dissatisfaction among Germans
• People wanted to establish her old prestige.
Economic Crisis:
• After WWI many soldiers became unemployed.
• Trade was ruined.
• The republic failed to solve it.
Spread of communism:
• Hitler feared that Germany would become slave of Russia.
• He makes people against communism.
• People joined Nazi party.
• Germany had no Faith in Democracy:
• They were against democracy.
• It helped rise of Hitler.
• Personality of Hitler
• He was great orator.
• He was a resourceful person.
• His speech was very effective.
• People have blind faith on him.
• The Volunteer Corps:
• After WWI many soldiers were unemployed.
• Hitler organized them.
• Hitler crushed opposition party with them.
Anti – Semitic Propaganda:
• They against Jews.
• They describe Jews as traitors.
• They told whole hardship because of Jews on Germans.
Ideology of Nazism
• To end the parliamentary institutions
• To have control on education.
• To root out communism.
• Nazi party considered Germany superior.
• To turn out Jews from Germany.
• To denounce the degrading treaty of Versailles.
• To increase the German military power.
Comparative study of Fascist and Nazism
Similarities
• Both were the supporter of one leader.
• Both wanted that no one can critised their leader.
• Both were supporter of imperialist policy.
Difference
• Fascism developed under Mussolini while Nazism under Hitler.
• N were have concept of race but fascists were not keen on such concept of race.
• Nazis were against Jews but fascist was not.
Similarities between the Causes of rise of Nazism & Fascism
• Treaty of Versailles
• Unemployment
• Communism
• Hatred against democracy
• Failure of the LON.
