Fascism

 

 

I. Fascism is the rebirth of nationalism

                A. mixes nationalism with romanticism, social Darwinism, imperialism, conservatism and modernism.

                               1. could be called super-charged nationalism

                               2. deploys explicit language of power rather than justice or morality (i.e. nihilism)

                               3. presents itself as the solution to the troubles of post-war Europe

                                               a. political powerlessness of Italy and Germany after Versailles Treaty

                                               b. unemployment and economic decline

                                               c. threat of socialism to the middle classes

                                               d. most of all, fear and doubt

 

                B. Rise of Fascist Movements

                               1. Mussolini's "black shirts" intimidate Italian government

                               2. Hitler's "brown shirts" intimidate German government

 

II. Adolf Hilter

                A. Leader of National Socialist party (�Nazi�)

                               1. attempted coup in Munich fails (1923)

                               2. writes Mein Kampf in jail

                               3. this book is an updated version of romantic nationalism

                                               a. modernist (nihilist) discourse on power

                                               b. modernists appreciation of mass psychology

 

                B. Rise to power in 1933

                               1. Economic crisis

                               2. purging the left from government

 

                C. Hitler's appeal to the masses

                               1. hatred of Versailles Treaty

                               2. resistance to socialism

                               3. safety of social conservatism

                               4. rejection of modernism (bans Jazz music)

                               5. overcoming doubt and helplessness

 

                D. Propaganda

                               1. Fatalism of Nazi Youth songs

                               2. Triumph of the Will

                               3. romantic, conservative, militarist nationalism