Global 10h - Thematic Essay

Stacey Alvarado

Mrs.Hewson

04/12/17

Global 10H

Thematic Essay

         Throughout history there have been many instances in global history in which governments have tried to enact policies in attempt to change society. Government’s take these actions strengthen government power and increase political stability. Two examples of governments implementing policies to change society are fascism in Italy under Benito Mussolini and the five-year plans in the Soviet Union under joseph Stalin.

        Italian dictator Benito Mussolini rose to power in the wake of World War 1. Under his power the Italian government wanted a complete transition to fascism. Fascism is a political system, which is similar to communism in that one political party established an absolute and strong control over all activities in a country. Unlike communism fascism stressed nationalism and ownership of property. The aspects of fascism included the use of military of control to maintain control within the country and government control. It also limited the freedom and rights for the people of the country. The main reason Italy wanted to convert to fascism was to economic success and to maintain stability and order. Benito Mussolini believed that establishing fascism it would make Italy strong.

        To bring the change of fascism the government of Italy used police and military force in the country to maintain order. Strong force was often used to imprison people who would start revolts and negative feelings towards the government. Mussolini implemented censorship; it controlled the publications of rival political parties. Which would silence those who would speak against the government. Mussolini achieved establishing a fascist government and stability was maintained. Fascism affected the lives of many people in Italy. It would be until many years the fascism in the government would end.

        In a country full of chaos, a great leader is needed to restore order. In Russia’s case, that leader was Joseph Stalin.  One of Stalin’s main goals was to increase the output of industrial goods, and he placed emphasis on electrical power, capital goods, and agriculture. Stalin wanted to make the Soviet Union’s economy self-sufficient, as he feared that his nation was falling behind and needed to catch up with the rest of the industrialized world such as countries like Germany and Britain.