Leaders after World War I

After World War I, economies of countries all over the world collapsed causing the Great Depression. Italy adapted a fascism government under Benito Mussolini. During the Russian revolution, Russia turned to communism under Vladimir Lenin. After Lenin passed away Joseph Stalling took his place. To them, Democracy led to corruption and weakness and put individual or class interests above national goals because all democratic countries at that time were experiencing difficulties. When Adolf Hitler came into power he followed Mussolini rule by establishing a totalitarian government.

Benito Mussolini was the son of a socialist blacksmith and a teacher. He promised to end corruption and replace turmoil with order. he rejected socialism for intense nationalism. He organized the Fascist party which consisted of veterans and discontented Italians. Fascist gangs used intimidation and terror to enforce order because they had lost faith in a constitutional government. He favored business leaders, wealthy landowners and the lower middle class. He brought the economy under state control to encourage economic growth. Under Mussolini loyalty to the state was significant and as for individual, they were considered less important. They were bombarded with propaganda glorifying the state.

Joseph Stalin brought all economic activity under government control. The government owned all businesses and distributed all resources. Wages were low and workers were forbidden to strike. He also brought agriculture under government control where the state set all prices and controlled access to farm supplies. Stalin’s Communist party used the secret police torture, and violent purges to ensure obedience. Citizens knew what would happen if they were disloyal. He used propaganda to elevate the communist system by making him a godlike figure. The government censored the press and decided which books where published. If the book violated government expectations the writer was put to trial.