Rise of Fascism 1930s: Global Threats — Reading Comprehension

The rise of fascism in the 1930s marked one of the most dangerous periods in modern history. Fascism is a political system that rejects democracy, values extreme nationalism, and gives total power to a single leader. During the 1930s, countries such as Germany and Italy turned to fascist governments because many people felt frustrated by economic problems and political instability after World War I.

One important cause of fascism’s growth was the economic crisis known as the Great Depression. Millions lost their jobs, and governments seemed unable to help. In Germany, the Treaty of Versailles had left people bitter and angry. Fascist leaders promised to restore national pride and fix economic problems. Adolf Hitler, leader of the Nazi Party in Germany, claimed he could make Germany strong again. In Italy, Benito Mussolini used similar promises to gain power. Both men used passionate speeches and propaganda—information spread to influence people’s opinions—to attract followers.

Fascist governments were based on the idea of totalitarianism, where the state controls nearly all aspects of life. They banned rival political parties, controlled the media, and punished those who disagreed. Hitler and Mussolini both used violence and fear to silence criticism. The voices of ordinary citizens, journalists, and politicians who opposed them were often imprisoned or killed. As one German citizen wrote in a secret letter, “We are watched everywhere. Even our words in our own homes are not safe.” This quote shows how deeply fascist control affected daily life and limited freedom.

Not everyone supported fascism. Some people bravely resisted, risking their lives to speak out or help others. However, many felt forced to go along with the new rules, either out of fear or hope for stability. In some cases, business leaders and the wealthy supported fascists, hoping for order and economic growth. Others, like minority groups, suffered under policies of discrimination and violence. The Jewish community in Germany, for example, faced increasingly harsh laws that took away their rights and property.

Outside of Germany and Italy, other countries watched these changes with alarm. Some leaders in Britain and France hoped to avoid another war and tried to negotiate with fascist governments. Others called for stronger action, warning that fascism threatened peace and human rights everywhere. The League of Nations, an international organization meant to keep peace, proved too weak to stop aggression. Fascist countries soon began to expand their borders, invading neighbors and breaking international agreements.

The rise of fascism set the stage for World War II. The world was divided between those who supported or opposed these regimes. The consequences were tragic—millions died, and societies were transformed. After the war, new international systems were created to try to prevent such threats from rising again. The history of fascism in the 1930s reminds us of the importance of protecting democracy and human rights, even in times of crisis.

Interesting Fact: In 1936, Germany and Italy signed an agreement called the "Rome-Berlin Axis," which helped unite fascist powers in Europe and shape the alliances of World War II.

Who led the Nazi Party in Germany?

Which country did Mussolini lead?

What treaty made Germans angry?

Why did some people support fascists?

What is totalitarianism?

How did fascist leaders attract followers?

Fascism supported democracy and equal rights. True or false?

What does 'propaganda' mean?