Similarities and differences in the rise to power of Hitler and Castro
Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: economic factors; social division; impact of
war; weakness of political system
Methods used to establish authoritarian states: persuasion and coercion; the role of leaders;
ideology; the use of force; propaganda
Key event Hitler
A failed attempt to seize power Munich Putsch, November 1923
by force
The failed coup led to public The speech he gave at his trial
popularity (“The Goddess of History acquits
me”) and the book (Mein Kampf)
he wrote while in prison
Time in prison From November 1923-December
1924; he was released after
serving nine months of a 5-year
prison sentence
Method of gaining political Changed tactics and achieved
power power through the democratic
process; President Paul Von
Hinden burg used his energy
powers to make Hitler Chancellor
of Germany in January 1933
Castro
Attack on the Moncada Barracks,
July 1953
The speech he gave at his trial
(“History will absolve me”) and its
subsequent publication as the
Moncada programme
From October 1953-May 1955;
released during a government
amnesty as Batista attempted to
appear less dictatorial in the wake of
the widely condemned 1954
elections
Fought Guerilla war from November
1956- December 1958; achieved
power through military victory;
became de facto leader of Cuba
January 1959
Use of force