Question

Study the picture given above and answer the questions that follow:

State any four factors that led to the rise of dictatorship in Germany and Italy.

Answer 1

The rise of dictatorship in Germany and Italy:

Dictatorial regimes in Italy and Germany arose due to the following factors:

(1) Dissatisfaction with the Peace Treaties: Italy joined the War on the side of the allies. Among Italians, the feeling was that they had won the War but lost the Peace. Italy had much to contribute to the success of the Allies in the War. But when it came to dividing the spoils of War, her allies deserted her. So far as Germany was concerned, defeat in the war and conditions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, made Germans feel ashamed and helpless. Germany was forced to cede large chunks of her territory to France, Belgium, Poland, and Denmark. Her overseas possession and colonies were divided among themselves by the Allies (Britain, France, Belgium and South Africa).

(2) Economic Factors: Economic conditions in Italy after the War was very bad. War debts and budget deficits caused a lot of difficulties. The salaried employees, the farmers, and the industrial workers felt the pinch of post-war inflation. Germany had to pay a huge sum as War Indemnity. The financial crisis forced Germany to borrow recklessly. German economy combined a high rate of inflation with a high level of unemployment. It was owing to this factor that the Nazi party had its ranks swollen by new recruits, especially youths.

(3) Inefficient and Corrupt Democratic Governments: The post-war democratic governments were weak; they could not respond properly to the needs and aspirations of the people. Six coalition governments were formed in Italy. They were unable to deal with the problems of the people. In Germany, the Constituent Assembly, which met at Weimar in 1919, established a liberal democratic government. But from the very beginning, Germany was faced with a problem of unstable government.

(4) Rise of Totalitarian Ideologies: Mussolini had a charismatic personality. His speeches praised the past glories of Italy and won the faith of his countrymen. Hitler had all the qualities required for a popular leader. He knew the art of moulding public opinion in his favour according to the circumstances. He told the Germans what they wanted to hear.