Who was the dictator of Italy?
- Hitler
- Mussolini
- Woodrow Wilson
- None of these
Answer
Mussolini
Who was called the 'Duce'?
- Hitler
- Mussolini
- Orlando
- Kaisar William II
Answer
Mussolini
Which of the following was not one of the principles of fascism?
- Supported one party and one ruler
- Against individual liberty
- Stress on extreme nationalism
- Supported democracy
Answer
Supported democracy
Who said, "if I advance, follow me; if I retreat, kill me, if I die, avenge me?"
- The Duce
- Hitler
- F.D. Roosevelt
- Woodrow Wilson
Answer
The Duce
Fascism was the antithesis of
- Dictatorship
- Democracy
- Communism
- Capitalism
Answer
Democracy
When was the Weimer constitution introduced?
- 1919
- 1925
- 1935
- 1945
Answer
1919
Which of the following was one of the causes of rise of Nazism?
- Humiliating Treaty of Versailles
- Economic crisis (1929-32)
- Personality of Hitler
- All of these
Answer
All of these
Which of the following was not a feature of ideology of Nazism?
- People exist for the state
- To root out liberalism and communism
- To praise the treaty of Versailles
- To end parliamentary institutions
Answer
To praise the treaty of Versailles
Which was the immediate cause of the Second World War?
- Conquest of Poland by Hitler
- Conquest of Poland by Mussolini
- Conquest of Stalingrad
- Conquest of Spain
Answer
Conquest of Poland by Hitler
When did Second World War come to an end?
- 1939
- 1945
- 1946
- 1940
Answer
1945
Which of the following statements is Not correct regarding March on Rome?
- It was organised by Fascists on October 24, 1922
- The king of Italy invited Mussolini to form the government
- Mussolini led the March on Rome
- All of these
Answer
Mussolini led the March on Rome
Which of the following was one of the causes of rise of Fascism in Italy?
- Dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Versailles
- Economic crisis
- Revolutionary activities of the Socialists
- All of these
Answer
All of these
Mussolini remained the dictator of Italy from
- 1922-1945
- 1939-1945
- 1930-1945
- 1925-1940
Answer
1922-1945
Who appointed Hitler as Chancellor of Germany?
- Victor Emmanuel I
- Giolitti
- Kaiser William II
- President Hindenburg
Answer
President Hindenburg
Anti-semitic propaganda was carried on systematically by
- Hitler and the Nazis
- Fascists and Mussolini
- Both of these
- None of these
Answer
Hitler and the Nazis
Identify the major reasons for the rise of Fascism in Italy.
P : "Italy got nothing from the colonial dinner."
Q : Economic crisis during the post-war period.
R : Influence of Hitler on Italy
S : Strong and influential Government after the First World War.
- P and Q
- R and S
- Q and R
- P and S
Answer
P and Q
Read the two statements given below regarding Hitler and select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (B)
(A) "Of propaganda he was past master."
(B) He was a great orator, his speeches were very effective, logical and had ability to sway the masses.
- (B) contradicts (A)
- (B) is the reason for (A)
- (A) is true but (B) is false
- (A) and (B) are independent of each other
Answer
(B) is the reason for (A)
Give any two features of dictatorship.
Answer
Two features of dictatorship are given below:
- They were governments under the rule of one man or a small group of men and the masses had little say in the administration.
- Great importance was attached to national interests rather than to individual interests. Everybody lived for the state.
Why was Italy dissatisfied after 1918?
Answer
Italy's dissatisfaction after 1918 stemmed from a combination of unmet expectations and internal problems following World War I.
- Discontentment after the Treaty of Versailles : Italy could get only Southern Tyrol and Trentino, and the Coastal Regions of Dalmatia. She could get no part of the German and Turkish colonial empire.
- Economic Crisis : Due to the expenses of World War I, Italy's national debt increased manifold, and people had to suffer for basic necessities like food and grains.
- Weak Government and Political Instability : The people were greatly distressed due to the weak policies and inefficiency of the government, which was incapable of solving their problems. Since no single party could gain clear majority in the elections, there was complete instability after 1918.
- Activities of the Socialists : The Socialists intensified tensions with their revolutionary ideas, while the Communists plotted to overthrow the government. Amid growing lawlessness and insecurity, people sought a strong party to restore peace and prosperity.
How did the failure of the League of Nations lead to the rise of dictatorship?
Answer
The failure of the League of Nations to prevent aggression and enforce its resolutions led to disillusionment with diplomacy and weak democracies. As the League failed to address the economic crisis of the Great Depression, many people turned to dictatorships for stability.
Define Fascism.
Answer
Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian political ideology characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, extreme nationalism, and often a policy of militarism. It was the supporter of one party and one leader with the leader being above law, and no one could challenge his authority.
Describe two principles of Fascism.
Answer
Two principles of Fascism are given below:
- It was the supporter of one party and one leader, who had all the military and civil rights and nobody could criticise him.
- Fascism was the supporter of an imperialist and aggressive policy so that the country should become strong and might gain power and prestige in the international sphere.
Why did the Italians feel that they had been deceived by the Treaty of Versailles?
Answer
Italy joined the Allies in the First World War and by the Secret Treaty of London (1915). She hoped to gain Trentino, Trieste, Istria, Fiume, Coastal Regions of Dalmatia, Albania and some parts of Turkey and Germany. But by the Treaty of Versailles she could get only Southern Tyrol and Trentino, and the Coastal Regions of Dalmatia. She could get no part of the German and Turkish colonial empire. The Italians felt as if they had been deceived and thought that their right demands were ignored. Imperialist designs of Italy were completely ignored.
How did the economic crisis in Italy, after the First World War, create unrest there?
Answer
Due to the expenses in the First World War, Italy's national debt had increased manifold. The price and the value of money had decreased. There was a great shortage of food-grains in the country and unemployment was increasing day-by-day. The industries and trade were ruined. The condition of the middle class people, farmers and the working class became very critical. As a result of the war, Italy suffered a lot and her people became very poor. Such a deteriorated condition created unrest in the country.
How did the weak government in Italy lead to the rise of Fascism there?
Answer
The economic crisis in Italy created a situation of unrest there. The liberal government of Italy was disinterested in solving the problems of the country and it was too weak to keep the situation under control. People were much distressed due to the weak policy and inefficiency of the government. They wanted to replace such a weak and inefficient government by a powerful and bold government. This feeling of the people helped Fascism to flourish in Italy.
How did the activities of the Socialists prove a potent cause of the rise of Fascism in Italy?
Answer
The Socialists who included the Anarchists, Communists and the Social Democrats left no stone unturned to increase lawlessness prevailing in the country. The Communists spread the revolutionary ideas.
Consequently, the peasants extorted the land of the landlords. The workmen organised strikes, broke machines and took hold of the factories. Strikes took place in the Post and Telegraph Departments. The Communists started making plans for capturing power by overthrowing the government. They wanted to create lawlessness and indiscipline by their subversive activities. People became sick of such a state of affairs and wanted a powerful and bold leadership in the country. They wanted such a powerful party in the country which could establish peace and prosperity by ending the lawlessness and insecurity prevailing in the country. Such a state of affairs gave rise to Fascism.
How did the humiliating Treaty of Versailles lead to the rise of dictatorship in Germany?
Answer
Germany was compelled to sign the Treaty of Versailles which imposed harsh terms upon her. She had to pay a huge war-indemnity. Germany lost its overseas colonies, one-tenth of its population, 13 per cent of its territories, 75 per cent of its iron and 26 per cent of coal to France, Poland, Denmark and Lithuania. Germany was forced to pay compensation amounting to 6 billion. Many Germans held the new Weimar Republic responsible for disgrace at Versailles. This created the feeling of dissatisfaction among the people of Germany. The Republic was regarded as a symbol of national disgrace. Germany wanted to establish her old prestige. When Hitler assured the Germans about the restoring their old prestige, they became his followers.
Why was there an economic crisis in Germany after the First World War?
Answer
Germany suffered heavy losses of life and property in the First World War. After the war many soldiers became unemployed. Trade and commerce were also ruined. The workmen were thrown out of employment. In 1929, there was, however, a great slump in Europe called the Great Depression. It affected Germany also. Germany was in the grip of unemployment and starvation. The prices rose and value of money declined. The Republic failed to solve the economic crisis.
How did the spread of Communism lead to the rise of Nazism in Germany?
Answer
Being inspired by the Russian Revolution of 1917, German Communists also tried to bring about a revolution in Germany. Hitler feared that Germany would become a slave of Russia if Communism spread there. He exposed the destructive results of Communism to his people. He roused the national feeling among the people and instigated them against Communism. Consequently, the workmen and the masses joined the Nazi Party in large numbers.
Who was Hitler?
Answer
Adolf Hitler was the leader of the Nazi Party and dictator of Germany from 1933 to 1945. He was a first-rate orator, a tireless worker and an able organiser.
With reference to the Principles of Fascism, answer the following :
(a) Attitude of Fascism towards democracy.
(b) Attitude of Fascism towards its leader.
(c) Attitude of Fascism towards the individual.
Answer
(a) Fascism was the antithesis of Democracy. It was the supporter of one party and one leader. The leader of the party was above law. According to Fascism, dictatorship was the best form of government. There was no place for opposition in Fascism and it was in favour of bringing an end to all other forces.
(b) The leader of the party was all in all in the country. None could challenge his authority. He was above law. He had all the military and civil rights and nobody could criticise him.
(c) Fascism was against the individual. It preferred the state to the man or the individual because he gets all the rights from the state. Individuals did exist only for the state. Fascism laid more stress on the duties of the individual and the rights of the state.
How did the following prove important causes of the Rise of Fascism in Italy?
(a) Discontent in Italy after the Treaty of Versailles.
(b) Economic Crisis of 1929.
(c) Weak government of Italy.
Answer
(a) Italy joined the Allies in the First World War and by the Secret Treaty of London (1915) she hoped to gain Trentino, Trieste, Istria, Fiume, Coastal Regions of Dalmatia, Albania and some parts of Turkey and Germany. But during the Paris Conference her hopes were dashed to the ground by Wilson's opposition and so by the Treaty of Versailles she could get only Southern Tyrol and Trentino, and the Coastal Regions of Dalmatia. She could get no part of the German and Turkish colonial empire. The Italians felt as if they had been deceived and thought that their right demands were ignored. Imperialist designs of Italy were completely ignored. This very fact helped in spreading Fascism in Italy.
(b) Due to the expenses in the First World War, Italy's national debt had increased manifold. The price and the value of money had decreased. There was a great shortage of food-grains in the country and unemployment was increasing day-by-day. The industries and trade were ruined. The condition of the middle class people, farmers and the working class became very critical. As a result of the war, Italy suffered a lot and her people became very poor. Such a deteriorated condition created unrest in the country. The people demanded a government that could solve their problems and restore their original prestige.
(c) The economic crisis in Italy created a situation of unrest there. The liberal government of Italy was disinterested in solving the problems of the country and it was too weak to keep the situation under control. People were much distressed due to the weak policy and inefficiency of the government. They wanted to replace such a weak and inefficient government by a powerful and bold government. This feeling of the people helped Fascism to flourish in Italy.
With reference to the Rise of Nazism in Germany, explain the following :
(a) Anti-semitic Propaganda
(b) Economic Crisis in Germany after the First World War.
(c) Personality of Hitler.
Answer
(a) The Anti-Semitic (Anti-Jewish) propaganda carried on by the Nazi party described the Jews as traitors and blamed them of conspiring with the allies during the war. They impressed upon the Germans that the cause of their hardships were the Jews who exploited the German economy. As a result many Germans rallied behind the Nazi party.
(b) Germany suffered heavy losses of life and property in the First World War. After the war many soldiers became unemployed. Trade and commerce were also ruined. The workmen were thrown out of employment. In 1929, there was, however, a great slump in Europe called the Great Depression. It affected Germany also. Germany was in the grip of unemployment and starvation. The prices rose and value of money declined. The Republic failed to solve the economic crisis.
(c) Hitler possessed a very influential and charming personality. He was a first-rate orator. He was a resourceful person, a tireless worker and an able organiser. His speeches were very effective and had great logic in them. Naturally, the people began to have a blind faith in him and they started thinking of him as a great leader.
With reference to the Rise of Fascism in Italy, explain the following :
(a) What were the factors responsible for the rise of Fascism in Italy?
(b) Describe a decisive action taken by Mussolini with the aim of making Italy a colonial power.
Answer
(a) There were many factors responsible for the rise of Fascism in Italy.
- Discontentment after the Treaty of Versailles : Italy could get only Southern Tyrol and Trentino, and the Coastal Regions of Dalmatia. She could get no part of the German and Turkish colonial empire.
- Economic Crisis : Due to the expenses of World War I, Italy's national debt increased manifold, and people had to suffer for basic necessities like food and grains.
- Weak Government and Political Instability : The people were greatly distressed due to the weak policies and inefficiency of the government, which was incapable of solving their problems. Since no single party could gain clear majority in the elections, there was complete instability after 1918.
- Activities of the Socialists : The Socialists intensified tensions with their revolutionary ideas, while the Communists plotted to overthrow the government. Amid growing lawlessness and insecurity, people sought a strong party to restore peace and prosperity.
- Failure of the League of Nations : The League of Nations, which was established to maintain peace in the world, failed to check the rise of Dictatorship in Germany and Italy.
(b) Mussolini wanted to revive the glory of the Old Roman Empire. Italy adopted an aggressive policy and captured Abyssinia and Albania, with the aim of making Italy a colonial power.
With reference to the comparative study of Fascism and Nazi Ideologies explain the following:
(a) Any three similarities between the Fascist and Nazi Ideologies.
(b) Any three differences between the Fascist and Nazi Ideologies.
Answer
(a) Three similarities between the Fascist and Nazi Ideologies are given below:
- Both Fascism and Nazism were supporter of one party and one leader — Mussolini in Italy and Hitler in Germany.
- They were dictators through and through. No one could challenge the authority of the leader of the party. Both Mussolini and Hitler had all the military and civil powers and no body could criticise them.
- Both Fascism and Nazism preferred the state as compared to the individual. They believed the individual exists only for the society/state.
(b) Three differences between the Fascist and Nazi Ideologies are given below:
- The ideology of Fascism developed in Italy under the leadership of Mussolini while the ideology of Nazism flourished under the guidance of Hitler in Germany.
- Another difference between Fascism and Nazism was on the so-called concept of race. The Nazis felt proud that they were the descendants of the Aryan race but the Fascists were not so keen on such a concept of race.
- The Nazi party was deadly against the Jews much because of their inferior race. They were even sent to the concentration camps to meet their end. But the Italians were not so much against the Jews so long as they remained faithful to the state.
With reference to the given picture, answer the following questions :
(a) Identify the personality and give the popular name he was called.
(b) Name the ideology and two of its features propounded by him.
(c) Give two reasons for his meteoric rise at the helm of affairs.
Answer
(a) The person in the given picture is Benito Mussolini, the dictator of Italy. He was called the "Duce".
(b) The ideology propounded by Mussolini was Fascism. Two of its features are given below:
- Fascism was the supporter of one party and one leader. According to Fascism, dictatorship was the best form of government. There was no place for opposition in Fascism and it was in favour of bringing an end to all other forces.
- Fascism was against the individual. It preferred the state to the man or the individual because he gets all the rights from the state. Individuals did exist only for the state. Fascism laid more stress on the duties of the individual and the rights of the state.
(c) Benito Mussolini's meteoric rise to power can be attributed to several factors. Two key reasons are given below:
- Weak Government and Political Instability : The people were greatly distressed due to the weak policies and inefficiency of the government, which was incapable of solving their problems. Since no single party could gain clear majority in the elections, there was complete instability after 1918.
- Activities of the Socialists : The Socialists intensified tensions with their revolutionary ideas, while the Communists plotted to overthrow the government. Amid growing lawlessness and insecurity, people sought a strong party to restore peace and prosperity.