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.
