Question

How did the political situation in Europe after world war 1 contribute to both Benito Mussolini and Adolf hitler being able to rise to power

Answer 1

Both were into Socialist ideas and both were extremely poor. Hitler lived on the streets and Mussolini got money from writing articles for Socialist Newspapers. Benito eventually developed the idea that he wanted to spread socialism everywhere and that he would conquer the world. However, the members of his political party didnt like that kicked him out for his nationalistic ideas. Benito found out that many other people had nationalistic points of view and he made a new ideology called Fascismo (or Fascism in English.) He gained support by a lot of people and basically ordered the King to make him Prime Minister. The king had no choice or he would have been overthrown. That's how Mussolini was put into power.

Answer 2

With the end of World War I, Europe had to face one of its worst economic crises. The use of European territory as the main battle stage led to the reduction of productive sectors and inserted the population of the entire continent in a delicate period of poverty and misery.  In addition to material problems, the effects of the Great War also had a direct impact on the political movements and ideologies of that time.

The crisis, added to the possibilities of new popular revolutions, has led many to glimpse a new wave of instability. It was at this time that new parties away from liberal ideas and contrary to leftist ideals began to gain political strength.  In general, such parties tried to resolve the crisis by establishing a strong, totalitarian, centralized government backed by an exacerbated nationalist sentiment.

Presenting this perspective with an air of renewal, these parties were able to get closer to the workers, liberal professionals and members of the bourgeoisie.  From then on, some governments began to see the rise of totalitarian regimes that, through the coup or the support of influential sectors, came to control the state. At this point we observe the abandonment of political freedoms, and ideologies being weakened by an authoritarian government.

In Italy and Germany, countries deeply affected by the crisis, fascism and Nazism rose to power under the leadership of Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler, respectively.