Fascism Research Paper

In the aftermath of WWI unsolved social, economic, and political issues played a key role in countries like Germany and Italy’s adoption of Fascism. WWI essentially left Europe in a mess. The cost of the war was not only high in life loss, but the economic price tag for most countries was high as well. Governments which were in upheaval prior to the war, were practically anarchical after it and communism was looming just over the horizon. In general, as the return of monarchies was not appealing, and democracy and liberalism seemed like a weak and fractionated alternative, people were at a loss for what to do. Fascism appeared to provide a strong, organized, decisive, alternative that also stressed a sense of National pride. This was particularly

Fascism gave them a way to feel united, to feel proud, to feel hopeful, to feel safe.

In most of Europe the post WWI life was harsh, and society was in flux. Those countries which turned either to democracy or a liberal monarchy tended to be those which had these elements as well as a sense of social unity in place prior to the war. The countries which chose Fascism, however, were those who had several factors in common: high unemployment with a good portion of unemployed workers being veterans, a destabilized government that was weak and/or ineffectual at solving socioeconomic issues, fear of communism, and a wounded national pride. Following the WWI both Germany and Italy were in a recession. The high cost of war, increased taxes, decreased production, and increased shortage of affordable goods made life difficult. Many feared poverty and starvation, while the government did very little to fix it. In Germany, because of the proportionate representation clause in the Weimer Republic’s constitution, the government factions were numerous, small, and not necessarily cooperative with each other. In Italy, King Emmanuel III was weak and the two controlling parties in the parliament were constantly at

The governments, economies, and social situation in many countries were in turmoil. In those countries, like Germany and Italy where the incumbent government was weak and ineffectual the people were more likely to look for help from those who thought beyond the status quo. Hitler and Mussolini were two of these kinds of people. Both were charismatic and manipulative and used the people’s fear of communism and poverty to gain mass support. They also appealed to the people’s sense of nationalism and pride which had been severely wounded by the war and its outcome. This was a unifying force which brought mass approval. In those countries where the government was established and strong in the eyes of the people before and after the war Fascist ideals did not take hold, even in the face of mounting unemployment and economic