R1520thand21st

Fascism played a great role in the growth and changing forms of nationalism as during a time when democracy and communism were the two dominant political ideals in Europe, fascism appears as an enemy to both viewpoints, while having greater pride than they both had. First coined by Benito Mussolini of Italy, Mussolini took power in Italy by force and set the order on how a fascist government was supposed to be ruled, by government control. And although Mussolini succeeded in making Italy a one-man dictatorship, he did not establish a complete modern totalitarian state, like Adolf Hitler of Germany. Feeding off influence from Mussolini, Hitler took the once socialist state of Germany and unifies it under the power of the fascists. Creating a completely totalitarian state of government through his own brand of fascism, Nazism, Hitler rejected the democratic view of Capitalism, as he believed it started class conflicts while also denouncing communism, as he thought it exploited class conflicts. While taking control, Hitler also gained the trust of the people, making them believe their front of the war would be won. Hitler also applied into Nazism hit hate for all “lower” races, especially the Jews. His “Final Solution” has been looked upon by many as the worst war crime in history, something that should never have to be repeated again. By believing in Germany’s survival during the Second World War, Hitler gained the trust of the German citizens, they believing that they are of the higher race, and by rebuilding the German economy be dropping unemployment rates and increasing business production. Using persuasion and benefits, Mussolini and Hitler were able to make fascism the greatest nationalist movement during the twentieth century. (964 – 966, 966 – 971)

McKay, John P. __A History of Western Society__. 7th ed. New York City: Houghton Mifflin, 2003.