Discovering History 20th Century Biographies: Dictators Teacher s Guide

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1 Discovering History 20th Century Biographies: Dictators Grade Level: 5 8 Curriculum Focus: Social Studies Lesson Duration: 5 class periods Program Description Juan Domingo Perón (5 min.) Discusses how this Argentine dictator took power and maintained it. Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar (4 min.) Investigates this Cuban dictator s totalitarian regime and the government corruption associated with it. Francisco Franco (4 min.) Explores the social and political conditions that produced and sustained Francisco Franco s 39-year dictatorship of Spain. Marshal Josip Tito (4 min.) Portrays Yugoslavian dictator Marshal Tito and his unique approach to maintaining stable and profitable international relations. Discussion Questions In what year did Juan Perón come into power and through what means? In general what political and social conditions within Argentina opened the way for Perón s rise to power? How was Juan Perón s rule as dictator aided by his wife Evita? What was unique about the involvement of Perón s third wife, Isabel, in politics? Under what conditions within Cuba did Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar attain power? How did the Cuban people benefit from his rule? What did they lose? In the 1930s why was Spain ripe for takeover by Francisco Franco? Once he had declared himself dictator, how did Franco hold onto power? To what group of Eastern European countries did Yugoslavia belong? When he needed money and military assistance in the 1950s, to whom did Marshal Josip Tito turn? How did NATO interpret Marshal Tito s actions? Lesson Plan Student Objectives Identify and discuss the achievements of dictators Juan Domingo Perón, Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar, Francisco Franco, and Marshal Josip Tito. Examine the role of each leader in the social, economic, and political development of their respective countries.

2 20th Century Biographies: Dictators 2 Explore the historical context of their dictatorships and how specific events influenced their rise to power. Analyze and discuss the general characteristics of and different types of dictatorships. Research and report on the two women who gained unique political power through marriage to dictator Juan Domingo Perón. Examine and discuss the legacy of each of these four dictators. Materials 20th Century Biographies: Dictators video Computer with Internet access Large world map Print resources about Juan Domingo Perón, Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar, Francisco Franco, and Marshal Josip Tito Procedures 1. Prior to viewing the program, write the term dictator on the board and ask students to provide a definition, description, or example of a dictator. Next, write the following names on the board: Juan Domingo Perón, Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar, Francisco Franco, and Marshal Josip Tito. Ask students to share what they know about these leaders. Explain that they will be viewing a program about these men. Ask students to keep the following questions in mind while they watch: What political, economic, and social conditions opened the way for each dictator s rise to power? By what means did each hold onto his position of power? 2. After viewing the program, review the information presented: Who were the dictators presented in the program? What country did each rule? (Have students locate each country on a large world map.) When did they come to power? Under what general political, economic, and social conditions did they gain power and how did their leadership affect those conditions? What are some common characteristics of their dictatorships? How were their dictatorships different? How did the general population fare under these dictatorships? 3. Dictatorship: Have students use print and Web resources to learn more about the origins of the term, its modern meaning, and the characteristics of a dictatorship. Once they have completed their research, lead a discussion on the topic. What does the term dictatorship mean? How does this definition differ from the term as it was first used during the time of the Roman Republic? How do modern dictators differ from dictators of the Roman Republic? What are various ways in which modern dictators come into power? What does the term benevolent dictator mean? How did the Cold War affect the number of dictatorships worldwide? Currently, is the number of dictatorships in the world increasing or decreasing? Where are most remaining dictatorships found? The Web sites below are good sources of information on the topic:

3 20th Century Biographies: Dictators 3 Dictatorship Dictator 4. Revolt of the Sergeants: In 1933 Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar took a first step toward control of Cuba when he led a revolt that deposed the president. To help students more fully understand the political, economic, and social climate that permitted such a revolt, provide them with grade-appropriate research materials on this topic; then lead a general discussion: What was the Revolt of the Sergeants? What were the general causes of the revolt? How was Batista involved? How did this revolt set the stage for his dictatorship? 5. The Spanish Civil War: In the wake of the Spanish Civil War, a war-torn country in desperate need of central leadership stood little chance of opposing Francisco Franco when he declared himself dictator. Provide students with grade-appropriate research materials on this topic to help them prepare for a general discussion: What was the Spanish Civil War? What were the general causes of the war? How was Franco involved? How did the war and its outcome set the stage for Franco s 39-year rule? 6. Women of influence: Eva Perón and Isabel Martínez de Perón, both wives of Juan Perón, played important political roles at a time when such positions of power were rare for women. From a childhood of poverty and illegitimacy, Maria Eva Duarte de Perón rose to become the first lady of Argentina. Following the death of Juan Perón, Isabel Martínez de Perón became the first female president in Latin America. Have students use print and Web resources to learn more about these two women. Once their research is complete, have students summarize their findings in a report. The following Web sites offer relevant information: Isabel Martínez de Perón On This Day 1974: First female president for Argentina (article and video news clip) Eva Perón Maria Eva Duarte de Perón web/evita.html 7. Legacies: Have students use print and Web resources to research the legacy of each of the four dictators introduced in the program. Once their research is complete, have students summarize their findings in a report, with a final opinion paragraph that responds to the following question: What are the disadvantages of dictatorships? Are there any advantages? If so, what are they? Information and opinions may also serve as the basis for a general class discussion. The following Web sites are good places to begin research: Juan Perón

4 20th Century Biographies: Dictators 4 Assessment Fulgencio Batista Cuba (Sections 1, 2, and 3) Franco, Francisco Spain Under Franco Tito s Dictatorship Yugoslavia from 1919 to Use the following three-point rubric to evaluate students work during this lesson. Vocabulary 3 points: Students clearly identified and analyzed the achievements and the roles of each leader during their terms in power; fully explored the historical contest of each dictatorship and related specific events that influenced each leader s rise to power; effectively analyzed the characteristic and different types of dictatorships; thoroughly researched and prepared a comprehensive report on the roles of Eva and Isabel Perón; produced a well-researched report on the legacy of dictators, with a thoughtful concluding opinion paragraph. 2 points: Students adequately identified and analyzed the achievements and the roles of each leader during their terms in power; explored the historical context of each dictatorship and related specific events that influenced each leader s rise to power; adequately analyzed the characteristics and different types of dictatorships; conducted moderate research and prepared a satisfactory report on the roles of Eva and Isabel Perón; produced an acceptable report on the legacy of dictators, with an adequate concluding opinion paragraph. 1 point: Students did not identify or analyze the achievements and the roles of each leader during their terms in power; did minimal exploration of the historical context of each dictatorship and did not relate specific events that influenced each leader s rise to power; inadequately analyzed the characteristics and different types of dictatorships; conducted minimal research and prepared an unsatisfactory report on the roles of Eva and Isabel Perón; produced an unacceptable report on the legacy of dictators, with an inadequate concluding opinion paragraph. Belgrade Declaration Definition: A 1955 declaration that affirmed equality in relations between communist-ruled countries, improving bilateral relations between the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia

5 20th Century Biographies: Dictators 5 Context: After the Belgrade Declaration of 1955, the Soviet Union became Yugoslavia s main supplier of arms and equipment. Bolshevik Definition: A member of the Russian left-wing majority group that followed Lenin and eventually became the Russian communist party; derived from a Russian word loosely translated as majority Context: Marshal Tito fought on the side of the Bolsheviks in the 1917 Russian Revolution. Cold War Definition: The hostile yet nonviolent relations between the former Soviet Union and the United States, and their respective allies, from around 1946 to 1989 Context: Despite his role as dictator of a fascist country, Francisco Franco was an ally of the United States during the Cold War. coup Definition: A sudden and decisive change of government illegally or by force Context: Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar led two different military coups to gain power as dictator of Cuba. depose Definition: To remove someone important from a powerful position Context: In 1976 Isabel Perón, the first woman president in the Western Hemisphere, was kidnapped and deposed by the military in a bloodless coup. dictator Definition: A leader who rules a country with absolute power, usually by force; a ruler who is unconstrained by law Context: Juan Domingo Perón ruled as dictator of Argentina from 1946 to 1955 and again briefly in Eastern Communist Bloc Definition: A political grouping of Central and Eastern European countries during the Cold War (also called the Soviet Bloc), including Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, East Germany, Poland, Albania, the Soviet Union, and Czechoslovakia Context: When Marshal Tito took a stand against Stalin, NATO believed his position represented a split in the Eastern Communist Bloc. fascist Definition: Somebody who supports or advocates a system of government characterized by dictatorship, centralized control of private enterprise, repression of all opposition, and extreme nationalism

6 20th Century Biographies: Dictators 6 Context: Francisco Franco s rise to power during the 1930s was supported by Spanish, Italian, and German fascists. monarchy Definition: A political system in which a state is ruled by a monarch (somebody, especially a king or queen, who rules a state or territory, usually for life and by hereditary right) Context: In 1931 Spain s monarchy was overthrown, leaving the country in need of central leadership. nationalist Definition: A member of a political group advocating or fighting for national independence or a strong national government Context: Francisco Franco led the Nationalist party to victory in the Spanish Civil War, then declared himself dictator. NATO Definition: North Atlantic Treaty Organization; an international organization created in 1949 by the North Atlantic Treaty for purposes of collective security Context: NATO believed Marshal Tito s position against Stalin represented a split in the Eastern Communist Bloc. purge Definition: To remove opponents or people considered undesirable from a state or organization Context: During his reign as dictator, Marshal Josip Tito staged many vicious purges to rid himself of perceived opposition. Spanish Civil War Definition: Civil war in Spain from in which General Franco succeeded in overthrowing the republican government Context: During the Spanish Civil War, Spain became a battleground for fascists and socialists from many countries. Academic Standards Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) McREL s Content Knowledge: A Compendium of Standards and Benchmarks for K 12 Education addresses 14 content areas. To view the standards and benchmarks, visit This lesson plan addresses the following national standards:

7 20th Century Biographies: Dictators 7 History Historical Understanding: Understands and knows how to analyze chronological relationships and patterns; Understands the historical perspective World History: Era 8 A Half-Century of Crisis and Achievement, : Understands the causes and global consequences of World War I; Understands the search for peace and stability throughout the world in the 1920s and 1930s; Understands major global trends from 1900 to the end of World War II World History: Era 9 The 20th Century Since 1945: Understands how post World War II reconstruction occurred, new international power relations took shape, and colonial empires broke up; Understands the search for community, stability, and peace in an interdependent world ; Understands major global trends since World War II World History World History Across the Eras: Understands long-term changes and recurring patterns in world history Geography The World in Spatial Terms: Knows the location of places, geographic features, and patterns of the environment Geography Places and Regions: Understands the physical and human characteristics of place National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) NCSS has developed national guidelines for teaching social studies. To become a member of NCSS or to view the standards online, go to This lesson plan addresses the following thematic standards: Culture Time, Continuity, and Change People, Places, and Environments Individuals, Groups, and Institutions Power, Authority, and Governance Global Connections Support Materials Develop custom worksheets, educational puzzles, online quizzes, and more with the free teaching tools offered on the DiscoverySchool.com Web site. Create and print support materials, or save them to a Custom Classroom account for future use. To learn more visit

8 20th Century Biographies: Dictators 8 DVD Content This program is available in an interactive DVD format. The following information and activities are specific to the DVD version. How to Use the DVD The DVD starting screen has the following options: Play Video This plays the video from start to finish. There are no programmed stops, except by using a remote control. With a computer, depending on the particular software player, a pause button is included with the other video controls. Video Index Here the video is divided into sections indicated by video thumbnail icons; brief descriptions are noted for each one. Watching all parts in sequence is similar to watching the video from start to finish. To play a particular segment, press Enter on the remote for TV playback; on a computer, click once to highlight a thumbnail and read the accompanying text description and click again to start the video. Standards Link Selecting this option displays a single screen that lists the national academic standards the video addresses. Teacher Resources This screen gives the technical support number and Web site address. Video Index I. Juan Domingo Perón (5 min.) Juan Perón ruled Argentina from 1946 to 1955 and again, briefly, in Find out how he sustained his dictatorship with the aid of the military, labor unions, and his wife Evita. Pre-viewing question Q: What is a dictatorship? A: A dictatorship is a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator not restricted by a constitution, laws, or opposition. Post-viewing question Q: Once he had gained governmental control of Argentina, what steps did Juan Perón take to remain in power? A: Perón used labor unions to promote his ideas and worked to keep top-ranking military leaders on his side; he ousted the British and nationalized Argentina s main industries, suspended freedom of speech, and changed the constitution to allow himself another term in office. He encouraged his wife Evita to use her popularity with union workers and women to further expand his political power.

9 20th Century Biographies: Dictators 9 II. Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar (4 min.) Batista s corrupt administration would last 30 years. Discover how his oppressive rule began with revolution and puppet presidents, followed by an openly totalitarian regime backed by organized crime. Pre-viewing question Q: What type of government runs the United States? How are decision made under this type of government? A: The United States is a representative democracy in which voters choose representatives in free, secret, multiparty elections. The elected representatives, in turn, act in the interests of the people and are given sufficient authority to exercise initiative in the face of changing circumstances. Post-viewing question Q: Once Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar openly became dictator of Cuba in 1952, by what methods did he rule the country? A: As dictator Batista suspended constitutional rule and the right of workers to strike; for personal profit he permitted organized crime to set up illicit businesses in his country. III. Francisco Franco (4 min.) In 1939 war-torn Spain was in desperate need of leadership. Learn how dictator Francisco Franco retained power for 39 years while forming profitable alliances with non-fascist countries like the United States. Pre-viewing question Q: What kind of social, economic, or political conditions would allow a dictatorship to successfully gain control of a country? A: Answers should include references to social issues such as poverty or hunger, economic depression, an unpopular or unresponsive government, social or political chaos, or war. Post-viewing question Q: How did Francisco Franco govern his country once he gained power? A: Franco established a one-party system (the Spanish Fascist Party), eliminated opposition, and imposed strict censorship and economic controls. He maintained Spain s neutrality throughout World War II and, through a very profitable agreement, became a Cold War ally of the United States. IV. Marshal Josip Tito (4 min.) Dictator Marshal Tito ruled the former Yugoslavia under the communist Soviet Union. Discover how Tito shifted loyalties between Western nations and the Soviet Union as he attempted to modernize his country.

10 20th Century Biographies: Dictators 10 Pre-viewing question Q: What freedoms that you now enjoy would you most likely lose under a dictatorship? A: Answers should include basic freedoms, such as freedom of speech and the press, the right to bear arms, freedom of religion, the right to privacy, trial by jury, property rights, protection from cruel or unusual punishment, the right to vote, and equal protection of the law. Post-viewing question Q: How did Marshal Josip Tito control those who in any way opposed him? A: Tito staged purges to eliminate anyone who disagreed with him or whom he deemed disloyal. Credit Patricia A. Peirson, freelance writer; former elementary school and adult ESL educator