Our look at World War II really begins today with our
consideration of the rise of fascism. We'll do a couple quick things at
the top here, and then we'll consider fascism directly.
Here's an article from the Boston Globe that you might find interesting based on our conversation from Friday: "Depression 2009: What would it look like?"
Leadership in World History: We
have certainly come a long way since the earliest human societies.
Here's a chance to take a little "trip down memory lane..." Pair up
with a partner if you'd like. I want you to make a list of ten figures
that you would consider to have been "leaders" in world history.
After
you have done that, I want you to go back and make two additional
lists. One should be of characteristics you would identify in
"effective" leaders. As you can probably guess, the other should be of
characteristics you would identify in "ineffective" leaders. I'd like
you to have at least ten items on each of the lists. (By the way, I
purposely chose labels other that good/bad because I am more interested
in what attributes allow people to "lead," rather than in what
direction they actually lead people.)
The rise of mass society -
By the 1930s, many had come to believe that individualism (and
liberalism) were being replaced by what came to be called "mass
society." Because it's an important concept in the rise of fascism and
other factors, we'll take a quick look at it today.
Initially, I'd like you to download and read through W.H. Auden's 1939 poem, "The Unknown Citizen." From this, let's see what you think "mass society" might represent.
Here are some of the key characteristics of mass society and mass culture:
- Democracy had leveled the playing field for all.
- The "mass man" emerged, and he "is satisfied in being identical to others."
- Expanded suffrage and literacy made the "mass man" more common.
- Mass culture became standardized and diffused
- Mass culture was something to be purchased and passively consumed.
- Developments like the movies, recorded music and the automobile contributed.
- Linkages between people became "vertical," rather than "horizontal."
Did this mean that Western civilization was sowing the seeds of its own demise?
To what degree did this contribute to the rise of totalitarianism and fascism?
What is fascism?
There are probably few political terms in recent world history that
generate as much confusion as "fascism." Its etymology is clear enough
- The Italian word fascismo comes from the Latin fasces, which was a bundle of sticks or rods fastened around an axe. This was a symbol of authority in ancient Rome.
Stanley Payne, the author of A History of Fascism, uses a three-part definition for this new belief that emerged as a rival to both communism and liberalism in the 20th century.
I.
According to Payne, fascism's primary goal was the regeneration of the
nation, a goal that was pursued through extreme forms of nationalism.
II.
Payne emphasizes the "fascist negations," as many think it is easier to
identify what socialists were against, as opposed to what they are for.
- They were anti-liberal, believing the nation was the base of society, not the individual.
- They were anti-communist.
- They were anti-conservative. (Fascism is usually seen as a right-wing movement, but terms like "radical right" are often used.)
III. Finally, Payne focused on features of style and organization.
- Fascists created a mass following via the tools and resources of mass society.
- They used the mass media and public rituals to exalt a single leader and embrace militarism.
- Mass rallies and demonstrations were used to unify the people.
Working with a definition of fascism: We'll give you a chance to try out another "definition" of fascism here. Download a copy of Fourteen Characteristics of Fascism by Dr.
Laurence Britt. (There's apparently some controversy online as whether
Britt is actually a "real" political scientist or whether he has a
doctorate. Either way, the list is useful for our purposes.)
Using
Britt's matrix and working in a small group, I'd like you to try to
find examples of as many of the fourteen characteristics of fascism as
you can from one (or more) of the following examples of fascism.
- Hitler and Germany (obviously the easiest to use)
- Mussolini and Italy (probably the next easiest)
- Franco and Spain
- Suharto and Indonesia
- Pinochet and Chile
Use your text when applicable, as well as doing some internet research. We'll talk about what you've found in a while.
The Rise of Adolf Hitler - From Unknown to Dictator of Germany
The
History Place is a website that does a pretty good job working through
key events in the rise to power of Adolf Hitler. You are each going to
receive a slip with an event or period from Hitler's earlier years.
They will correspond to a "chapter" from The History Place's site.
The Rise of Adolf Hitler
- This link will take you to "your" chapter. Your job is simple.
Tomorrow, we'll go through the events in chronological order. You will
present a "Hitler minute" on your chapter. That means you have a
maximum of one minute. No projectors, no visuals. You are responsible
for conveying the important parts of your chapter.
Talk to us, don't read at us. Decide what is important and relevant to us.
HOMEWORK for tomorrow - Friday, February 5th
Start your reading in Chapter 32 with Section 1, "Hitler's Lightning War." (pp. 925 - 930) The quiz will be multiple choice.
Be ready with your "Hitler minute" for our look at "The Rise of Adolf Hitler" tomorrow.
