authoritarian (detailed) Flashcards
(18 cards)
Economic Factors
Germany (Hitler)
Economic collapse due to the Great Depression (1929): Unemployment reached 30% by 1932.
Hyperinflation crisis in the 1920s made Weimar Republic unpopular.
Heavy reparations from the Treaty of Versailles (132 billion gold marks) caused economic suffering.
Cuba (Castro)
Economic dependence on U.S. sugar trade; 75% of Cuban exports went to the U.S.
High levels of poverty, particularly in rural areas.
Corruption and economic inequality under Batista’s rule.
Weak Political Systems
Germany: Weakness of the Weimar Republic, lack of strong leadership, and frequent changes in government (14 chancellors from 1919-1933).
Cuba: Batista’s corrupt and oppressive regime alienated the people, leading to a lack of trust in democratic processes.
Propaganda
Germany: Hitler used mass rallies, Nazi symbols, and radio broadcasts to manipulate public opinion.
Cuba: Castro used radio broadcasts like Radio Rebelde to spread revolutionary ideas.
Use of Force
Germany: The SA (Brownshirts) and SS used intimidation, assassinations, and violence against political opponents.
Cuba: Guerrilla warfare tactics were used by the 26th of July Movement, leading to Batista’s overthrow.
Social Divisions
Germany: Deep resentment toward Jews, communists, and Weimar elites led to division and radicalization.
Cuba: Rural poor vs. urban elites, as well as racial inequalities, contributed to revolutionary sentiments.
War and its Impact
Germany: World War I’s aftermath (defeat, reparations, and national humiliation) led to support for Hitler’s nationalist rhetoric.
Cuba: Castro’s revolution was influenced by anti-imperialist sentiments and Cold War dynamics.
Ideology
Germany: Nazi ideology promoted extreme nationalism, anti-Semitism, and Lebensraum (expansionist policies).
Cuba: Castro’s ideology was rooted in Marxism-Leninism, advocating for socialist reforms.
Control of Opposition
Germany: Enabling Act (1933) dismantled democracy; Night of the Long Knives (1934) eliminated political rivals.
Cuba: Political opponents jailed or executed; media censorship was strict.
Use of Force
(consolidation)
Germany: Gestapo and SS enforced terror; concentration camps were used to silence opposition.
Cuba: Military tribunals and imprisonment of dissenters. Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDRs) Emigration as Pressure Release: Mariel Boatlift (1980)
Foreign Policy
Germany: Expansionist policies (Rhineland, Austria, Sudetenland) increased Hitler’s domestic support.
Cuba: Alignment with the USSR provided economic and military aid.
Domestic Economic Policies
Germany: Public works programs (Autobahn), rearmament, and controlled capitalism reduced unemployment.
Cuba: Nationalization of industries, agrarian reforms, and literacy campaigns.
Propaganda
Germany: Joseph Goebbels controlled all media, education, and the arts.
Cuba: Castro’s speeches and state-controlled press reinforced his image.
Charismatic Leadership
Germany: Hitler’s oratory skills, mass rallies, and Führer cult.
Cuba: Castro’s personal connection with the people through long speeches and public appearances.
Women’s Rights
Germany: Women encouraged to stay home and have children (Kinder, Küche, Kirche policy).
Cuba: Women gained more rights in education and workforce participation.
Social Policies
Germany: Racial laws (Nuremberg Laws) discriminated against Jews.
Cuba: Education and healthcare reforms significantly improved literacy and life expectancy.
Economic Policies
Germany: Strengthened economy through rearmament and autarky.
Cuba: State-controlled economy with mixed success (initial progress but later stagnation).
Opposition Control
Germany: Nazi Party eliminated all opposition; concentration camps used.
Cuba: Political dissent suppressed; thousands fled to the U.S.
Foreign Policy
Germany: Expansionist policies led to WWII.
Cuba: Cold War alliances (e.g., Cuban Missile Crisis) defined its role in global politics.
