I. Causes for the Rise of Fascism:

(1) Discontentment after the Treaty of Versailles: Italy had joined the War with the aim of gaining colonies. But during the Paris Peace Conference, her hopes were dashed to the ground. She represented the Paris Peace Conference as a victor but returned from there as a vanquished. The Italians felt that their right demands were ignored.

(2) Economic Crisis: Italy had suffered much from the War. About seven lac Italians were killed and more than 10 lac wounded. Many of her cities and towns were destroyed. Trade and commerce was also ruined. The condition of the middle class people, farmers and the working class became miserable and the economic crisis added to their difficulties. There were lawlessness, uprisings and riots.

(3) Weak Government: The Italian government had shown little concern for the welfare of the people. A wave of indignation swept the country. The liberal government was too weak to control the situation. People were fed up with the inefficiency of the Government.

(4) Activities of Socialists: The socialists in Italy included the Anarchists, the Communists and Social democrats. Their activities made the atmosphere of the country. more poisonous. The Italian people wanted a powerful and bold leader to establish law and order in the country. According to Ketelbay, "It was the urgent need of a strong and unifying force which formed the background for the rise of Fascism in Italy."

(5) Political Instability: There were different political parties, with different programmes and policies. The mutual differences and rivalries among the political parties led to political instability in the country. There were six coalition governments between 1919 and 1922. This political instability helped the rise of Fascism in Italy.

(6) Leadership of Mussolini: The socialist reign of terror caused panic among the industrialists, big businessmen and landlords. All these groups looked for a leader. Mussolini harnessed the support of all the disgruntled elements and organized them into a disciplined political party called the Fascist and assumed its leadership.

II. Causes for Rise of Nazism in German:

(1) Condemning the Treaty of Versailles: Germany was compelled to sign the Treaty by which she had to pay a huge war indemnity. This treaty created the feeling of dissatisfaction among the people of Germany. The Weimar Republic was regarded as a symbol of national disgrace. Hitler assured the Germans about the establishment of the old prestige, they became his followers.

(2) The Economic Crisis: Germany had to face a great economic crisis after the First World War. Many soldiers were no more in service, so they became unemployed. Trade and commerce were ruined. In 1929, there was, however, a great slump in Europe. Germany was in the grip of unemployment and starvation. The prices rose and the value of money fell like anything.

(3) Exploiting the mentality of the Germans: The Germans had no faith in democracy. It was against their culture and tradition. They at once gave support to a strong man of action like Hitler who could transfer their dreams into reality.

(4) Making the best use of his per- sonal qualities: Adolf Hitler was a first rate orator. He was an able organizer. It has been rightly said, "Of propaganda, he was a great master."

(5) Unpopular Government: Towards the end of the Ist World War, a revolution broke out in Germany which led to the collapse of the German monarchy. Germany became a Republic. But the republican government was plagued with problems from its very beginning and could not maintain political stability. Born in humiliation and defeat, it was extremely unpopular. The Republic was regarded as a symbol of national disgrace, as it was associated with the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles.

(6) Communist Revolution: Being inspired by the Russian Revolution, the communists of Germany were planning to organize revolution in Germany. Hitler was anti-communist. He exposed the destructive parts of communism to the people and instigated them against communism. The rising National Socialist Party capitalized on. the unpopularity and failure of the Democratic Government of Germany.

(7) Party Stripes: There were many political parties in Germany, namely Social Democrats, Nationalists, Royalists, Communists etc. Each party was trying to gain power, with the result that the republic was weakened. The Nazis gained a good opportunity to snatch power.