Factors contributing to the rise of totalitarianism between the wars included economic instability, political discontent, and social upheaval following World War I. The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany, leading to economic hardships and resentment, which facilitated the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. Likewise, countries like Italy saw the emergence of Mussolini's Fascism amid economic crisis and nationalistic fervor. Propaganda, state control of media, and suppression of dissent played crucial roles in consolidating power. The inability of democratic governments to effectively address these crises allowed totalitarian regimes to gain support by promising stability and national rejuvenation.