The document discusses the rise of collectivism in response to the failures of liberalism after World War 1. Collectivism favored social planning over individual freedom and took different forms like communism, fascism, and welfare states. Fascism originated in Italy in the early 1920s under Mussolini, who opposed democracy and liberal values. He came to power amid economic troubles and political unrest. His paramilitary Blackshirts helped him seize control in 1922.

1. COLLECTIVISM Can be described as an anti-liberal political ideology Rise of collectivism was a result of the damage done to liberalism by WWI Collectivist developments were active responses to the failures of liberalism

2. Basic Difference Between the Ideals of Liberalism and Collectivism Liberalism favors maximum freedom for each individual, personal freedom in society Collectivism favors active social planning and direction to promote the general welfare of all members of society

3. Collectivism Took Many Forms: Communism in Russia Fascism in Italy and Germany Capitalist Welfare State in Britain and the United States

4. Mass Culture and the Rise of Modern Dictators Creating a homogeneous culture within a population Homogeneous: Of the same or similar nature; of uniform structure or composition throughout

5. Trend began with WWI, uniting a population against a common enemy Homogenizing media instruments which expanded their influence during the 1920’s: radio, film, newspapers

6. Potential of Mass Media Enhancing democracy by creating an informed citizenry Providing tools for dictatorship, making it possible for authoritarian rulers to control the masses

7. Fascism in Italy and Germany Origin of the word : Italian word is fascismo, derived from fascio (bundle or group) Founded in 1919 : By the Italian Benito Mussolini

8. Mussolini’s Entry for the Italian Encyclopedia “ Fascism combats the whole complex system of democratic ideology, and repudiates {rejects} it, whether in its theoretical premises or in its practical application.”

9. “ Fascism denies that the majority, by the simple fact that it is a majority, can direct human society; it denies that numbers alone can govern by means of a periodical consultation,”

10. “ and it affirms the immutable {undeniable}, beneficial, and fruitful inequality of mankind, which can never be permanently leveled through the mere operation of a mechanical process such as universal suffrage…”

11. The Great Depression and Its Effects on Society Triggered by the U.S. stock market crash of 1929 U.S. cut back on loans and called in debts Spawned a global depression

12. 1) Unemployment during the 1930’s Cities with heavy industry hardest hit Created a general sense of fear in society In agriculture industry, foreclosures on farm lands

13. 2) Social Life and Gender Roles are Strained Women sometimes forced to take low paying jobs Men often left home unemployed Upset of traditional gender roles

14. 3) Declining Birthrates Could no longer afford to feed as many mouths After WWI, mandatory education enforced, thus children could contribute less to family income

15. Conditions in Italy: Political Chaos and Discontent Constitutional Monarchy had never won much loyalty Italian government viewed as ineffective Inflation and unemployment Disillusioned with liberal ideals National pride was wounded

16. Benito Mussolini Born into a socialist, working class family Served in WWI until 1917 Started his own newspaper, expressing his political views Opposed parliamentary style government

17. The “Blackshirts” Mussolini’s paramilitary group Who the Blackshirts attracted Engaged in street fighting with anyone who opposed their political views Damaged opposition’s offices Assassinated some opposing leaders

18. Mussolini’s March on Rome Blackshirts gave many Italians a false sense of the existence of order and discipline When the capitol was under threat of the Blackshirts, the King “invited” Mussolini to create a new government

19. Mussolini – Il Duce Parliament voted to give him the power for one year as a dictator As dictator, he changes election laws and eliminates any opposition parties

20. Sources of Support for Fascists in Italy Military – glorified militarism and heaped on financial support of the army Industrial leaders – Fascists had worked to defeat socialism. Why would this be appealing to industrialists?

21. Sources continued Catholic Church – Lateran Treaty and Concordat of 1929. What did the Church get? And what did Mussolini get? The Masses – propaganda and media; sense of belonging; mass rituals, parades and rallies

22. The Fascist Philosophy Spreads Through Europe Similar “strong men” coming to power in Hungary, Poland and Romania Fascist followings in Austria, Portugal and Spain However, became most successful in Germany under Hitler