In what way did the Great Depression serve as a catalyst for totalitarian regimes in Europe?

The Great Depression created widespread economic turmoil that left many societies in Europe struggling with high unemployment, poverty, and instability. In this environment of crisis, authoritarian leaders were able to gain traction by presenting themselves as strong figures capable of restoring order and offering practical solutions to the economic chaos. Promises of economic recovery, national rejuvenation, and social stability resonated with desperate populations seeking relief from their suffering.

These leaders capitalized on the public's fear and dissatisfaction with existing democratic governments, which were often perceived as ineffective in addressing the dire circumstances. Such leaders included Benito Mussolini in Italy and Adolf Hitler in Germany, who both utilized propaganda to bolster their messages and cultivate a sense of hope among the populace. By presenting themselves as the antidote to the chaos, they were able to consolidate power and dismantle democratic institutions, ultimately paving the way for totalitarian regimes to emerge.