Fascism Chapter 20

Summary:

World War 1 begins due to the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, this triggered a web of alliances to declare war on each other ultimately putting Britain vs Germany and the axis powers. The war becomes one of the bloodiest conflicts in human history due to the brutality that was trench warfare which led to stalemates and mass casualties. Germany ends up losing but the damage had been done on the world economy. 

The great depression begins as inflation is rampant throughout the world. Money becomes virtually worthless to the point where German citizens use it kindle fires. This was due to a crash in the stock market where everyone decided to sell their stocks leading to banks becoming bankrupt since they couldn’t keep up with the massive demand for money. In Germany, the depression led to the Nazi party which was lead by Adolf Hitler. He campaigned on the promise of making Germany powerful again, but unfortunately encouraged the genocide of Jews and other non-Aryan races. His rise to power leads to WW2 as Hitler began to remilitarize Germany and reclaim lost land. 

Germany, Italy, and Japan became the new big Fascist powers in the world and allied themselves. They basically steamrolled Europe and Asia without much contest. Throughout world war 2 the horrors of Fascism were in exhibit with the Holocaust in Germany, as Hilter ordered the genocide of Jews or other races he deemed unworthy. 

Eventually in 1941 after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States officially entered World War 2. In combined efforts with Britain and Canada, the US was able to invade mainland Europe on June 6, 1944, the day known as D-Day. By 1945 the Allies were able to liberate most of Europe, Africa, and Asia from fascist rule. Due to the atrocities committed in the war the United Nations was established to make sure such things don’t happen again.

Fascism is a word that is misinterpreted in today’s society. It’s usually tied together with Nazism, but the concept of Fascism has nothing to do with the Holocaust. The idea itself promotes nationalism were the opposing ideas are suppressed by the government in order to have one nationalistic ideal. I do believe fascist tendencies appear today, primarily in the liberal left side of American politics. As they deliberately try to suppress any ideas, not in line with there political agenda, and fail to have civil discourses with people who disagree with them. This is a fascist, but to most people, it may not seem as people aren’t aware of what fascism really means. Organizations such as Antifa are technically fascist as there ultimate goal is to force upon society their political views by using violence. The use of violence and intimidation to make people align with your beliefs is textbook fascism and is what Germany and Italy did in world war 2. Free speech and the ability to discuss apposing ideas are the complete opposite of what fascism means. Too many times is the word blatantly used without people knowing what it is to be fascist.