Unit III: Rise of Totalitarianism and Soviet Foreign Policy
This unit discusses the turbulent inter-war years when totalitarianism rose as an alternative to democratic and liberal ideals. It examines how Germany and Italy shifted toward aggressive dictatorships and how the early Soviet state navigated international relations [cite: 709-713].
1. The Weimar Republic
Established after World War I (1919), the Weimar Republic was Germany's attempt at a democratic government.
- Structural Weakness: It faced constant opposition from both left-wing (Communists) and right-wing (Nationalists) extremists.
- Economic Instability: Faced crippling hyperinflation in 1923 and was devastated by the Great Depression in 1929.
- Burden of Versailles: The Republic was blamed for signing the "humiliating" Treaty of Versailles.
2. Rise of Nazism in Germany & Hitler's Foreign Policy
Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party rose to power by exploiting German economic despair and national resentment.
Factors for Rise
- Economic Crisis: High unemployment during the Great Depression led people toward radical solutions.
- Propaganda: Effective use of rallies and media to project Hitler as a "savior."
- Nationalism: Promised to overturn the Treaty of Versailles and restore German glory.
Hitler's Foreign Policy
- Lebensraum: The quest for "living space" in Eastern Europe.
- Rearmament: Publicly broke the Treaty of Versailles by rebuilding the German military.
- Anschluss: The forced annexation of Austria into Germany.
- Anti-Comintern Pact: An alliance with Japan (and later Italy) against international communism.
3. Growth of Fascism in Italy & Mussolini's Foreign Policy
Fascism, led by Benito Mussolini, emerged as a response to post-war social unrest and fear of communism.
Characteristics of Fascism
- Totalitarianism: Absolute control of the state over all aspects of life.
- Nationalism: Extreme pride and a desire for imperial expansion.
- Anti-Communism: Violent suppression of socialist and labor movements.
Mussolini's Foreign Policy
- Mare Nostrum: Aimed to turn the Mediterranean into an "Italian Lake."
- Invasion of Abyssinia (Ethiopia): A blatant violation of the League of Nations' principles.
- Rome-Berlin Axis: Formalized an alliance with Hitler's Germany.
4. Soviet Foreign Policy under Lenin
After the 1917 Revolution, the Soviet Union faced isolation and the need for internal consolidation.
- World Revolution vs. Survival: Initially, Lenin hoped for a global communist revolution, but eventually prioritized the survival of the Soviet state.
- Treaty of Brest-Litovsk: A harsh peace treaty with Germany to exit World War I.
- Comintern: Established to promote and coordinate communist movements internationally.
- Normalization: Attempted to establish trade relations with Western capitalist nations despite ideological differences.
5. Exam Focus Enhancements
Exam Tips
- Comparison: Be ready to compare Nazism and Fascism. While similar in their totalitarian nature, Nazism was more focused on racial purity (Aryanism).
- Terminology: Use specific terms like "Lebensraum" (Living Space) and "Anschluss" (Union) when discussing Hitler's foreign policy.
Common Mistakes
- Mistake: Assuming Hitler seized power by force. Correction: The Nazi Party became the largest party through elections, and Hitler was legally appointed Chancellor in 1933.
Frequently Asked Questions