Final answer:
The rise of dictators after WWI was primarily due to economic hardship and political disillusionment stemming from the aftermath of the war and the perceived failures of democratic governments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two main causes for the rise of dictators after World War I were severe economic hardship and widespread disillusionment with existing democratic governments. The economic turmoil following the war included inflation, unemployment, and a loss of faith in capitalist systems, as seen by the difficulties faced by Italy in the wake of the Versailles Treaty. This created an environment ripe for dictators like Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler, who promised stability and national rejuvenation.
Additionally, the political disillusionment with the democratic systems was intensified by the harsh Treaty of Versailles, and the new Weimar Republic in Germany was seen by many as a betrayal, leading to a vacuum filled by totalitarian regimes. These dictatorships capitalized on the desire for strong leadership and restoration of national pride, which emerged due to the perceived failures of the democratic states to adequately address post-war challenges.