Fascism in Italy and Germany (1918 – 1939) (Essay Sample)

Student’s Name Professor’s Name Course Name & Number Due Date Fascism in Italy and Germany (1918 – 1939) Fascism found its expression in the early twentieth century, with the rise of Benito Mussolini's Italy in 1922 and the reign of Adolf Hitler's Nazi party in Germany in 1933 being among the most well-known (Kallis 219). Fascism is a form of authoritarian, ultra-nationalist political belief and intention, which is represented by a dominant leader and centralized autocratic system, military way of life, violent suppression the resistance, belief in the social hierarchy which is guided by nature, subordination of individual for the goodness of the nation, and strict guidance in society and economy (Eley 2). The fascism, which began in Italy and later spread to Germany, during the interwar period (1918 – 1939), was directly triggered by the political instability and power vacuum that resulted from the post-World War I, which allowed the ultranationalist authoritarian movements to emerge and capitalize on public dissatisfactions, thereby overthrowing the democratic institutions. The impact of fascism on contemporary societies becomes apparent when looked at from a political perspective. It created a climate that gave Nazi Party, which was led by Adolf Hitler, an opportunity to impose itself on the power (Kallis 230). Also, the trust and friendship that Hitler showed toward Mussolini was a primary tool used by Hitler to further expand his political interests. Looking through Italian history, one can see that in the aftermath of the war, the economic difficulties and political instability created an environment favorable to Mussolini's Fascist Party growing and becoming a significant power. There were legitimate democratic institutions and public discontent toward Hitler and Mussolini. Mussolini violently overthrew the Italian government, and Hitler was democratically elected. It is important to note that their dissenters often were killed/shipped off to concentration camps, fled the country, or started resistance groups, which were persecuted. While the majority of people did support Hitler and Mussolini, it was not a complete 100% success rate for either in gaining public support (Kallis 230). Nonetheless, they were both popular leaders that boasted strong character, and charisma and, believed they could solve many of the nation's issues, including social, financial, and the ones regarding national pride and financial prosperity. The formation of the fascist party followed a very twisted trajectory influenced by several factors. Fascists used the fear of communism and the perceived threat of social chaos as their trump card. They emphasized that they were the only ones with the strength to block the "red menace” (Iodice 3). Predictably, some classes of society, including the middle and high society, were alarmed by the fact that the status quo may change and they, as well as all their privileges be eroded. Fascists politically manipulated the people around them by claiming to support national pride and the worship of the past, with the latter used as propaganda to achieve more following (Iodice 3). Through the apparatus of their governments, Mussolini and Hitler abolished democracy, pointing out that their nations were once-great civilizations that had been betrayed by their democratic governments, and promising to restore their former glory through either a strong or centralized state led by an eminent charismatic leader. Fascist propaganda exploited people’s concerns about communism and praised ethnicity and historical grandeur. Fascist leaders like Mussolini and Hitler exploited propaganda to subvert democracy and consolidate power. They gained support and justified their dictatorial dictatorship by spreading fear of communism and portraying themselves as defenders of the country (Russo 8-10). Mussolini and Hitler used media control and censorship to create a personality cult to maintain power and suppress criticism. Mussolini’s regime launched several effective propaganda operations to elevate the Italian people and promote a revived Roman Empire under his rule (Kallis 230). Hitler’s propaganda machine blamed Jews and other minorities for Germany’s economic problems and portrayed them as dangers to national security. Mussolini and Hitler used propaganda to unite the population, eliminate resistance, and establish their rule (Duiker and Spielvogel 260). Fascist leaders built cults by instilling fear and servitude in the public through speeches, rallies, and propaganda posters (Russo 9). Controlling the narrative and public opinion helped Mussolini and Hitler run their totalitarian regimes. This helped them control the population and quell any resistance. After coming to power, the dictatorships destroyed democrats by suppressing opposition, censorship, and establishing one-party systems (Russell and Russell 36). In Italy, Mussolini's government jailed or forced political opponents, while in Germany, Nazis were actively depriving people of the right to speak and sought to silence minority groups, political foes, and anyone who expressed different considerations than they desired (Russell and Russell 25).In Germany itself, the Nazis led and waged an indiscriminate assault on the Jewish people, alongside other minorities like Jehovah's Witnesses, Gypsies, Homosexuals, political opponents, and prisoners of the war. These crimes resulted in a violation of democratic control and the surrender of powers into the hands of authoritarian officials (Kallis 220). As soon as they held power, the Nazis began changing the course of history and putting an end to democracy thus gaining control over the population and quelling any non-compliance. Also, by destroying all the opponents and those who did not agree with the regime’s opinion, the Nazi regime carried out an elimination of all the opposition and dissents and completely silenced them. Political parties and trade unions were banned and nearly 100, 000 communists along with social democrats and other radicals were imprisoned (Pinto 429). With the establishment of the Gestapo, the secret police unit that was intended to locate and get rid of opponents of the authorities, they ensured that there would be no one to question them. According to Pinto, concentration camps were built to confine and torment political subversives, m...