Notes On The Power and Authority (Nazi, Hitler & Wiema)

Resource Description

Power + Authority:

Conditions that enabled the rise of dictatorships in the interwar period: Focus on Russia, Japan, Italy mainly, don’t go into Germany

1. WW1 -> Economic hardship and reparations especially by those who lost. Border changes as well as army limitations. Dictatorships offered a quick + easy solution to these problems that the people quickly favoured. Social damage to population. Hyperinflation (Germany). Damaged the pride and prestige of the countries (war guilt clause)
2. Militarism -> Threat of future war, countries needed to prove themselves on the world stage. Military takeover in many countries, played a large role in political affairs. (Japan, Germany paramilitary influence in politics)
3. Nationalism -> Need for countries to reinforce their identity and superiority amongst other nations, especially Europe
4. Charismatic leadership -> Enabled the people to rally around a common cause that was very well sold to them by charismatic leaders (Mussolini, Hitler) who utilised their leadership qualities to gain power. Social disarray and discontent boosted their effectiveness.
5. Decline in imperialism/failure of democracy -> Democracy was seen as weak in some countries and blamed for their loss in WW1 (E.g. November Criminals in Germany). Imperialism also began to fall as countries gained their independence from imperialist powers, leaving a power vacuum for dictatorships to fill. Resentment towards Western ideas/democracy that saw their loss in WW1 (unreasonable demands in Treaty of Versailles). Also, rejection of autocratic rule (Russia + Germany).