Fascist Dictators

To what extent were the people “better off” than they were before in each of the three examples presented in this case study? What were the trade-offs? What did the people give up? Prior to Mussolini, Italy was in a state of political instability and had very little national prestige or pride. Strikes were frequent in industrial cities, and due to divisions within the parliament, it was paralyzed from intervening and re-establishing order. There was widespread fear of a Communist uprising among the upper class. Once Mussolini came to power, the nation rallied behind a strong leader who could rebuild the nation’s prestige and restore law and order. However, under Mussolini’s rule, there was much loss of political freedoms and basic civil rights among the people. Mussolini’s Fascist party appointed members of the Chamber of Deputies, and appointed municipal officials. Mussolini was blatantly sexist, telling women to “stay home and produce children.” He also abolished divorce, and limited women to 10% of the better paying jobs in industry. Mussolini used both propaganda and indoctrination while in power, and quite possibly did more harm for the people than good.

Mao, in many ways, was like a saviour to the Chinese people. Before he took power, China was dominated by Warlords. Mao finally put power in the hands of the peasants, and achieved the elimination of child slavery, prostitution, and opium smoking from their Communist mountain strongholds. Also, Mao redistributed the land to the masses, and began mass political education programs. Unfortunately, millions of people died and great famines occurred under Mao’s reign, and no amount of social or political progress can erase that fact.

In Cuba, the regime prior to Castro’s rise to power was ruled by Batista. Batista ruled with power based on fear. His government was in shambles and constantly disappointed the people. Unemployment was rampant. Castro promised land reforms for his people, and so the people joined with Castro’s guerrilla fighters, risking their lives to better their country. Castro was very popular among the people of Cuba, due to his charisma, and because he offered a life and government not centered around fear. Once in power, Castro promised to maintain private enterprise, protect foreign investments, and promote freedom.