Fascism was an ideology born of war. It arose in response to numerous factors: liberalization of society, the experience of World War I, and the Russian Revolution of 1917, to name a few. It took ideas born of 19th-century imperialism and pseudoscience (eugenics, Social Darwinism, race theory, etc) and set itself against the forces of the left (democracy, liberalism, socialism, and communism, or “Bolshevism” as Hitler often referred to it) to forge what is sometimes called a “third way.” It emphasized violence, strength, and national and ethnic pride to become a potent force in European culture and politics. There were violent street brawls and marches that pitted socialists against fascists that plagued the cities of Europe as the effects of WW1 and the Great Depression took hold of Europe. These ideas and clashes also made their way to America.

Mussolini and Hitler were fascists who promised a new world for Europe and the world. This written quiz is based on the readings concerning fascism. Read the posted documents and answer the questions with quotes and specific detail.

What is fascism according to Mussolini and why is it anti-democratic and anti-socialist?

What picture does Hitler paint of Germany in his radio address? What words does he use to describe the country? https://www.facinghistory.org/holocaust-and-human-behavior/chapter-5/hitlers-first-radio-address

Why might Germans be attracted to Hitler’s message? Mention two specific examples.

What is the role of the state, according to a fascist?

Why is empire and conquest important to the fascist?