Question

How did World War I and its aftermath contribute to the rise of fascism in Europe in the 1920s?

Answer 1

The victorious Allies after World War I imposed harsh reparations on the defeated Axis powers, especially Germany, which made the citizens angry. An angry populace is more likely to elect a dictator. After World War 1 Germany was impoverished and Italy felt that they had been cheated after siding with the Entente (Allies.) And was not rewarded for their help in defeating Germany and the other central powers.  

 

Poverty and corruption issues in Italy led to the March on Rome, a fascist coup de tat led by Benito Mussolini, which led to the establishment of a Fascist state ruled by Mussolini. Mussolini proved to be a role model of sorts to Adolf Hitler (who even mimicked his style in the early days the German National Socialist Party.) On November 8th 1923 a attempted Coup known as the Beer Hall Putsch was led by Adolf Hitler and associated but failed and Hitler was put into prison. He got out and convinced German officials to allow his party (national socialist) to run legally for office. The National Socialist Party became the largest faction running in German Government in 1932 and Hitler was elected Chancellor in 1933. After the German president Paul Von Hindenburg died, Hitler became the absolute dictator of Germany or "Fuhrer." From that point he proceeded to annex several surrounding nations he considered rightful German territory lost in WW1. After the invasion of Poland the Allies declared war on Germany and you know the rest.

Answer 2

The end of World War I set the stage for World War II many because of the harsh and repressive sanctions imposed on Germany by the victorious Allies. This made the Germans very upset and more prone to elect a ruthless dictator.