Goyal Brothers Prakashan Class 10 History Solutions Chapter 12 The Rise of Dictatorships: Fascism in Italy and Nazism in Germany
Question 1.
What is Fascism? Name the country where a Fascist Government was formed in 1922.
Answer:
Fascism was an intensely nationalistic, anti-communistic and anti-democratic movement. In other words, Fascism meant dictatorship where the whole power of the state was vested in one person alone and it was obligatory for all the countrymen to carry out his orders. Nobody could dare to oppose or criticise his policy.
In 1922 Italy become a fully Fascist country under Benito Mussolini.
Question 2.
What is Nazism? Name the country where the Nazi party came to power in 1933.
Answer:
Nazism could be best defined as ‘Fascism plus Racialism’. The Nazi Party depicted the Germans as a ‘Master Race’ that was destined for World domination.
Nazi party came to power in Germany in 1933.
Question 3.
Who led the Fascist Movements in Italy and Germany?
Answer:
The Fascist movement in Italy was led by Benito Mussolini and in Germany, it was led by Adolf Hitler.
Question 4.
Mention any two factor responsible for the emergence of Fascism in Italy and Nazism in Germany?
Answer:
Dissatisfaction with the Peace Treaties :
Italy and Germany, were greatly dissatisfied with the peace treaties. Though Italy had much to contribute to the success of the Allies in the war, but she did not get her due share when it came to dividing the spoils of war. Even Germany was greatly humiliated through the Treaty of Versailles. She was stripped off her territories and her military strength was reduced considerably. Thus, the peace treaty caused great insecurity between both the Germans and Italians.
Economic Factors :
Economic conditions in Italy after the War were very bad. War debts and budget deficits caused lots of difficulty. The salaried employees, the farmers and the industrial workers felt the pinch of post-war inflation. The youngmen found all channels of employment closed to them. There were agrarian riots and strikes in the factories.
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.
Question 5.
Give two reasons why the Germans felt humiliated because of the Treaty of Versailles?
Or
Give two reasons to show that the powers that won the First World War contributed to the rise of Nazi dictatorship in Germany.
Answer:
The Treaty of Versailles that was concluded with Gennany, was unjust and very severe. She was forced to cede large chunks of her territory to France, Belgium, Poland and Denmark. Infact, her overseas possessions and colonies were divided among the power. Germany was crippled militarily as her army was fixed at one lakh. Thus the injustice done to Germany, ultimately led to the Second World War.
Or
1. Dissatisfaction with the Peace Treaties :
Germany was 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 possessions and colonies were divided among themselves by the Allies (Britain, France, Belgium and South Africa). The total strength of the German army was fixed at one lakh, which caused a sense of great insecurity among the Germans.
2. Economic Factors :
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.
Question 6.
Why did Italy and Germany lose faith in post-World War I democratic governments?
Answer:
The Post-World War-I democratic governments were weak and thus, could not respond properly to the needs and aspirations of the people. Economic conditions became worse. War debts and budget deficits caused a lot of difficulty. On the other hand, Germany had to pay a huge sum as war-indemnity, which led to a financial crisis. Therefore, the people were looking for a strong government with a firmer economic programme.
Question 7.
What is meant by Class-Conflict that emerged in Italy and Germany after World War I?
Or
Why did the Capitalists and the Landlords support the Fascists and Nazi Movements?
Answer:
The economy was in crisis and the workers were agitating for higher wages and better conditions of work. Italy seemed to be heading towards a Communist Revolution i.e., victory of the worker. Thus, the industralist viewed the growing strength of the labour unions with alarm. Consequently, they actively supported Fascism with a view to suppress the workers.
Or
Fascist and the Nazi parties were being supported mainly by industrialists, big businessmen and the landlords. The economy was in crisis and the workers were agitating for higher wages and better conditions of work. Italy seemed to be heading towards a Communist Revolution. The industrialists viewed the growing strength of the labour unions with alarm. It is said that financial support for Fascism came largely from the monied classes who wished to suppress the workers.
Question 8.
Why did totalitarian dictatorial ideology appeal to the masses in Itlay and Germany during Post-World War I period?
Answer:
In Russia, after the Revolution of 1917, the Government had been using terror to enforce obedience. The political power in Russia was now monopolised by one political party. Thus, the totalitarian ideology appealed to the massess in Italy and Germany because firstly, it glorified power. Secondly, it promised stability in the State, which was the need of the hour.
Give one evidence to suggest that Mussolini pursued an expansionist (Imperialist) policy.
Answer:
Mussolini, pursued an expansionist policy. In March 1936, the Itlalian troops reached near the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. On 2nd May, the Emperor of Ethopia fled the country and the capital fell to the Itlalian troops. Mussolini regared imperialism as the eternal law of the life.
Question 9.
Name Hitler’s autobiography that tells us about his ideas and programme.
Answer:
Hitler wrote ‘Mein Kampf’, his autobiography which gives a detailed account of his ideas and programmes.
Question 10.
Mention any two ideas or programmes that Hitler’s auto-biography contains.
Answer:
Hitler’s auto- biography contains, in brief the following programme:
- Social security for the workers
- Racial superiority of Germans, whom he held as ‘Aryans’ or the Master Race.
Question 11.
What is meant by Anti-Intellectualism of Fascism and Nazism?
Answer:
Fascists sought to create society based on myth. Mussolini gave the motto “to believe”, to obey to fight” to his country men. Both Fascists and Nazis popularised that, leader is ever right, International peace is a coward’s dream and imperialism is the eternal law of life. Further, Hitler strongly believed in the superiority of Nordic race. In simple words the anti-Intellectualism of Fasicism was based’ on the concept that it is the faith that moves mountain not reason.
Question 12.
Mention any two features of Fascism and Nazism.
Or
Mention any two similarity between Fascism and Nazism.
Answer:
Fascism and Nazism had almost similiar aims and features. Both were intensely nationalists and anti-intellectualist movements and both had an utter dislike for a democratic government.
Question 13.
Give one evidence in support of the statement that Fascist and Nazi ideologies were the sworn enemy of democracy.
Answer:
The legislatures, though continued to exist in Italy, but in essence, the power of law-making belonged to ‘Duce’. (leader) According to Fascism, dictatorship was the best form of government. They opined that there was no place for opposition in Fascism and was in favour of bringing an end to all other forces.
Question 14.
Hitler was a racist. How?
Or
Hitler’s regime victimised Jews. Give an example to illustrate this point.
Answer:
Hitler believed in the superiority of Nordic race. Regarding the Jews he opined that Germany could never become strong and great unless the Jews were eliminated. In 1935, Jews were deperived of German citizenship. They were forced out of the jobs and their business firms were confiscated. Infact they were put in specially built gas chamber to be killed with poisonous gases.
Jews were subjected to harsh conditions under Hitler. In 1953, they were deprived of German citizenship. In 1938, Nazi attacked Jewish homes, shops and building used to workship. From 1942 onwards they were put in specially built gas chambers to be killed with poisonous gases. People all over the world were shocked by such barbarious and inhuman atrocities.
Question 15.
What was Hitler’s concept of Pan-German unity?
Answer:
Hitler’s concept of Pan-German unity meant that Germany, Austria, Poland, Czechoslovakia and a few other territories in Eastern Europe should be consolidated into a Unified State.
Question 16.
Give two examples to show that Hitler followed an imperialist policy and committed acts of aggression.
Answer:
Germany joined Italy and Japan in an alliance known as Berlin- Rome-Tokyo Axis. Thus, he occupied Austria where Germans were in majority. Later, he conquered one country after another. Denmark, Norway, Luxemberg and Belgium.
Structured Questions
Question 1.
State the four major factors that led to the rise of Dictatorships in Italy and Germany.
Or
Describe the factors responsible for the rise of Fascism and Nazism under the following headlines :
(a) Dissatisfaction with the Peace Treaties
(b) Economic Disaster in Italy and Germany
(c) Inefficient and corrupt democratic governments
(d) Class Conflicts.
Answer:
(a) (i) The Treaty of Versailles, by which the First World War came to an end was a dictated peace, completely based on injustice. Germany was forced to cede large parts of her territory to France, Belgium, Poland and Denmark. Besides, her overseas possession and colonies were divided among
themselves by the Allies.
(ii) She was burdened with huge war-indemnity which she could never pay. Even her military power was considerably reduced. Thus, the treaty was a black spot for Germans, which they wanted to wash. This could never be done without armament ‘ and as such war became quite inevitable.
(iii) Italy, too joined the war, because she was not satisfied with territories she gained. The peace treaty deserted the hopes of the Italy.
(iv) The industrialists viewed the growing strength of the labour unions with alarm. It is said that financial support for Fascism came largely from the monied classes who wished to suppress the workers.
(b) Economic conditions in Italy and Germany turned worse because of war debts and budget deficits. Economy witnessed rise of unemployement on one hand and agrarian riots and strikes in the factories on the other hand. Inflation became the singular feature of their economic system.
Besides, Germany had to pay a huge sum as war-indemnity. This financial crisis forced Germany to borrow recklessly. As a result, German economy combined with high rate of inflation and unemployment. Thus severe economic conditions led to the emergence of dictatorships in Italy and Germany and ultimately paved the way for Second World War.
(c) The post-war democratic governments were weak and as such could not respond properly to the needs and aspiration of the people. In Germany, the Constituent Assembly which met a Weimar in 1919 established a liberal democratic Government.
But from the very beginning Germany was faced with unstable Government. The people, therefore were looking for a strong Government with a firmer economic programme.
(d) The post First World War period witnessed crisis in the economy. The workers were agitating for higher wages and better conditions of work. It seemed as if Italy was heading towards a Communist Revolution (victory belongs to the workers.) The industralists, viewed the growing strength of the labour union with alarm.
Thus, financial support for Fascism came largely from the monied classes, who wanted to suppress the workers. In other words, class conflict between the workers and the industrialist gave rise to the growth of Fascism, which led to outbreak of Second World War.
Question 2.
Fascism and Nazism were anti-democratic, imperialistic and anti-communistic movement. In the context of this statement explain the following features of Fascism and Nazism :
(a) Negation of Democracy
(b) Imperialistic Policies (Aggressive Nationalism)
(c) Anti-Communism Policies
Or
Describe any three main similarities between the Fascist and Nazi ideologies.
Or
Examine the three key features of Fascism and Nazism.
Answer:
(a) Fascism was a sworn enemy of liberalism, democracy and personal liberty. Hitler too opined that interests and rights of the individuals were subordinate to the interests of the State. In other words, State had the right to interfere in all aspects of the life of people and to use force to discipline them.
Although the Legislatures continued to exist in Italy, yet in the essence the power of law-making belonged to ‘Duce’ i.e., the leader. Further, the Fascist rulers did not allow other than their own party to operate in the country.
(b) The Fascists under Benito Mussolini glorified war and stood for imperialistic expansion. In March 1936, the Italian troops reached near the Ethiopian Capital Addis Ababa. On 2nd May, the emperor fled, the country and the Capital fell to the Italian troops. Thus, Mussolini considered Imperialism as the eternal law of life.
He turned Albania into a protectrate of Italy. Further, he entered into commerical and diplomatic treaties with France and Russia to strengthen the power of Italy. Thus, Mussolini wanted to increase the prestige and glory of Italy in International sphere and to make her a powerful country.
(c) Fascists claimed to be neither capitalist, nor socialist. It protected private property, but placed its use under State control. However, the communists never trusted the Fascists. The strikes and lockouts were forbidden.The country had been placed under a consistent war economy. Political neccessities such as rapid rearmament and industrial growth placed intiative more and more in the hands of the government.
Or
Similarities Between the ideologies of Fascism and Nazism:
- To have faith in the Totalitarian rule.
- To despise democratic political systems.
- To hold that the state is supreme and it could suppress the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.
- To uphold One-Party and one leader.
- To believe in Aggressive Nationalism and Imperialism.
- To regard war as an instrument for furthering national interests.
- To uphold intensely nationalistic, anti-communist,, anti¬democratic rule.
Key features of Fascism and Nazism :
- Anti-Intellectualism,
- Negation of Democracy and One-Party or One-Man Rule,
- Aggressive Nationalism and Imperialistic Policies
- Anti-Communism, and 5. Hitler’s Racialist policies.
Question 3.
Mention the two main differences between the Fascist and Nazi ideologies and programme. A Guide : Fascist theory of Corporate State the Nazi Germany’s Racialist theory.
Answer:
We shall now relate some differences between the Fascist and Nazi policies and programme.
Fascist Economy :
Mussolini’s theory of a Corporate State needs a little elaboration. In Italy the workers and employers had their separate Syndicates. These were linked together by 22 National Corporations (representing the major industries) in which both workers and employers had equal representation. Each Corporation had its managing body-the Council. These Councils sitting together constituted the National Council of Corporations. The Central Committee of the National Council included all the Fascist Ministers. Mussolini himself was the head of the Ministry of Corporations. The National Corporations were supposed to make rules regarding wages, hours and conditions of work.
Nazi Germany’s Economy :
In Nazi Germany big industrial houses were allowed to continue, but they were brought under control of the State. Wages and prices of all commodities were fixed. Neither factory-owners could declare lockouts i.e., close their factories, nor workers could go on strike.
Hitler’s Racialist Policies and Hatred for the Jews :
Hitler said that Germany’s defeat in the War (1914-1918) was due to the fact that the Jews and the Communists betrayed their country. Germany could never become strong and great unless and until the non-German elements, especially the Jews were eliminated.
The Nazis believed that the Germans (or the Aryans) were a ‘Master Race.’ They, were, therefore, on the road to ‘World Domination’. The Jews were seen as ‘fundamentally evil. Racialism was not an Essential Part of the Fascist Ideology: In Italy the Jews held important posts in the Fascist ‘ Party from the beginning. Later Mussolini also adopted a policy of ‘race hatred’ under Nazi influence. But the core of Fascist ideology was never a set of racial theories.
Fascism was essentially an extreme form of Nationalism. Nazism, on the other hand, was built largely on the basis of Racialism.
Question 4.
Study the picture given here and answer the questions that follow :
(a) Identify the person addressing the public meeting.
(b) What colour did the shirts worn by his followers have?
(c) Give one evidence to suggest that he pursued an Expansionist (Imperialist) Policy.
(d) Give on evidence to suggest that he was intolerant towards his Opponents.
Answer:
(a) Benito Mussolini addressing a large public meeting.
(b) Mussolini’s followers wore a Black uniform, and, therefore came to be known as Black-Shirts.
(c) Mussolini, pursued an expansionist policy. In March 1936, the Itlalian troops reached near the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. On 2nd May, the Emperor of Ethopia fled the country and the capital fell to the Itlalian troops. Mussolini regared imperialism as the eternal law of the life.
(d) Fascism was a sworn enemy of liberalism, democracy and personal liberty. Hitler too opined that that interests and rights of the individuals were subordinate to the interests of the state.
In other words, state had the right to interfere in all aspects of the life of people and to use force to discipline them. Although the Legislatures continued to exist in Italy, yet in the essence the power of law-making belonged to ‘Duce’ i.e., the leader. Further, the Fascist rulers did not allow other than their own party to operate in the country.
Question 5.
Answer the questions based on the picture given below :
(a) Identify the person.
(b) Which community did he blame for incredible misery of his people in Germany?
(c) Describe his expansionist policies (acts of aggression).
(d) What was that Nazis called the ‘Final Solution’? What it resulted in?
Answer:
(a) The person in picture is Adolf Hitler.
(b) Jews. Hitler invented the myth of the superior ‘ Aryan Race’ to take drastic steps against the Jews. He blamed the Jews for all the ills of Germany – its defeat in the war, its economic ills. According to him Germany could never become strong unless the Jews were eliminated. He forced them out of jobs, confiscated their business and in 1935 deprived them of their German Citizenship. In 1938 the Nazis attacked Jewish homes, shops and synagogues.
(c) Hitler had started rearmament and compulsory military service in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. He reclaimed the territory of Saar from France. In 1936, German troops re-entered Rhineland, which had been demilitarised by the Peace Treaty. Later, Germany joined Italy and Japan in an alliance known as Berlin, Rome-Tokyo Axis. Thus, he occupied Austria where Germans were in majority. He also conquered one country after another Denmark, Norway, Luxemberg and Belgium . In 1939, Hitler succeeded in occupying part of Czechoslovakia with the agreement of Britain and France through a treaty known as the Munich Pact. Consequently, Hitler’s ruthless designs became a menace to world peace.
(d) All Jews were forced to live in Ghettos, in isolation from the other people in the towns. An attempt to find a ‘Final Solution’ to the German question meant the large scale murder of the Jews. Concentration Camps had been specially built in Germany and in those parts of Europe which came under German
occupation. Many such camps had Gas Chambers, so that they could be filled with poisonous gases killing hundreds of Jews is no time.
Extra Practice Questions
Question 1.
Give two main principles of Fascism?
Answer:
- Fascism was the supporter of one party and one leader.
- Fascism was against the individual. It preferred the state to the individual, because it gets all the rights from the state.
Question 2.
Give two positive results of Fascism.
Answer:
Under Fascism, all opposition was crushed and law and order was established in the state. Secondly, various reforms were introduced in improve the economic conditions of the people.
Question 3.
Give two negative results of Fascism.
Answer:
The people had to pay a huge price under Fascism. They had to sacrifice their political freedom. Many restrictions were imposed upon the press and newspapers. Secondly, with a view to make Italy all powerful, Mussolini pursued an aggressive, powerful and bold foreign policy which ultimately paved the way for Second World War.
Question 4.
Which country had a ‘left wing’ dictatorship after World War I ?
Answer:
Russia.
Question 5.
What were the common factors between the ‘left wing’ and ‘Right Wing’ theories?
Answer:
- They both openly expressed their contempt for democratic political system and for the Fundamental Rights of the people.
- Both were extremely intolerant about the existence of any other political party, after their own parties captured power.
Question 6.
Name the sections of society, which were unhappy with the democratic form of government.
Ans. Intellectuals, expressed their dissatisfaction with democracy and favoured dictatorship of one kind or another.
Question 7.
Name two factors for which Italians were proud of their past.
Answer:
Italy had been the home of the ancient Roman Civilisation and the Renaissance. Secondly, it had also been the seat of the Roman- Catholic church for a long time, which made Italians proud of their past.
Question 8.
When was Italy reunited?
Answer:
Italy was reunited between 1860 and 1870 under Victor Emmaneul II, the ruler of Piedmont (a northern province of Italy).
Question 9.
When did Italy first come to have a democratic Parliamentary System of Government?
Answer:
A full-fledged Parlimentary System of Government was introduced in Italy for the first time in 1919.
Question 10.
Which political groups were trying to over-throw the legally established Government of Italy before Mussolini succeeded in doing so?
Answer:
A number of political groups like the Communists and Socialists were trying to overthrow the legally established Government of Italy before Mussolini succeeded in doing so.
Question 11.
What was the title ‘Mussolini’ gave himself ? What did it mean?
Answer:
Mussolini gave himself the title of ‘Duce’ which meant the leader of the country.
Question 12.
How did Mussolini die and when?
Answer:
In the Second World War, Italy suffered a humiliating defeat and Mussolini’s opponents captured and hanged him in April 1945.
Question 13.
Mention four major aims of the Nazi party.
Answer:
- Nazi party believed in nationalism as a driving force for the people.
- Hitler believed that nations became great only by defeating other nations in war
- Hitler maintained that the interests and rights of the individuals were subordinate to the interests of the state.
- Hitler maintained that the Aryans were the superier most race in the world and that only the German people were pure Aryans.
Question 14.
By what other name was the Nazi party known?
Answer:
National Socialist Party.
Question15.
When was Hitler made the chancellor of Germany?
Answer:
In January 1933.
Question 16.
What was the name of the German Secret Police?
Answer:
Gestapo.
Question 17.
Mention three ways in which Hitler reduced unemployement.
Answer:
In the first place, a large number of people were recruited to an expanded bureaucracy which was recquired to carry out his plans of reconstruction. Secondly, he encouraged the capitalists to increase production and banned strikes to faciliate smooth running of industry. Thirdly, he ordered the production of heavy armaments on a very large scale which led to further expansion of industry and thus, created more jobs.
ICSE History and Civics Class 10 Goyal Brothers Prakashan Solutions