After World War One (WWI), an economic depression affected all the countries that participated in the war. The promise of a better life to those that participated in the war was also not forthcoming. The present regime promised the people better living conditions if they tolerate the adversities of the war (Hans, 39). After the war ending, the case was different from their expectations. Ruling regimes used finances they had to finance the war. Ammunition and war equipments were expensive to produce thus all resources available to the regimes had to cater for their production. The countries were so broke that they could not even afford payments to give their soldiers (Benjamin, 58). This led to the ascension of power of world’s most tyrant dictators.
In the early 18th century in these countries, progression in technology was on the rise. After the war, such inventions like the development of automobiles went to the ground with the war. After the war was over, citizens went back to a life of hardships (Hans, 39). Strained social amenities diseases and hunger marked the period that followed the end of world war one. Leaders like Stalin of Russia would no longer lie to the citizens on the hope of coming modernization (Benjamin, 58). Deterioration of the economy led to disgruntled citizens who were desperate to change their lives and advance it from where the war found it. Demonstrations and revolts against the present regimes became the order of the day. All the demonstrators, “in Italy or Germany” were similar in that they blamed their governments for their deplorable conditions.
People all over these countries craved for change in their administration system. Among these voices of change, some members of the public rose as their leaders in pretence that they were supporting the people but had different ambitions. They acted as the leaders to these gatherings and with their eloquent oratory skills presented grievances of the people to authorities. In time for demonstrations, they led the people and motivated them to fight for their rights. As time progressed, these people became popular with the citizens as the citizens considered them their leaders (Hans, 39). Benito Mussolini in Italy and Adolf Hitler in Germany used this method to ascend to power. On the ascension of power, these dictators by using their oratory skills and the complete trust citizens had on them, they advanced their ambitions. Hitler ascended to power by a democratic vote, but Mussolini used military takeover. Despite the difference in the way they took power, these two ruled through fear and tyranny. On the establishment of their power, they suppressed any opposition.
Ascension of power of these dictators was purely because they promised their citizens of economic transformation. Frustrated citizens who were gullible at the time held to any promise made of a better economy (Benjamin, 58). Ethnic and ideological cleansing advocated for by these tyrants only served to drag the economy backward rather than liberalize it. Dictators like Hitler and Mussolini concerns of their superiority led them to authorize the invasion of other countries. These dictators rose to power since they spoke of economic change what all citizens needed. Even under stable political and social structure with the economic depression, these dictators would still access power position. Economic factors led the people to oppose the current government. Their concerns were how to live, as even food to eat was not easily available. As the people were desperate for economic liberation enabled ambitious dictators to gain, power and fulfill their personal ambitions.
Works cited
Alpers, Benjamin L. Dictators, Democracy, and American Public Culture: Envisioning the Totalitarian Enemy, 1920s-1950s. Chapel Hill, N.C: University of North Carolina Press, 2003. Print. 58
