Fascism

by Seth H. Pulditor

Overview

In the turbulent years after World War I, a new type of governing philosophy took shape in a handful of countries. It was known as fascism. Fascism denied that individuals had any rights the state was bound to respect. It demanded that citizens blindly obey their leader. It glorified violence. It promised to purify a degraded culture and restore the nation to greatness.

Full-fledged fascist governments came to power in Italy under Benito Mussolini and in Germany under Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. In addition, significant fascist movements existed in several other countries.

Fascism led to some of the darkest episodes in human history-including the Holocaust-before being swept away by World War II. This book details the rise and fall of a discredited form of government.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781422221396
Publisher:	Mason Crest Publishers
Publication date:	09/28/2012
Series:	Major Forms of World Government Series
Pages:	64
Product dimensions:	7.48(w) x 9.52(h) x 0.57(d)
Lexile:	940L (what's this?)
Age Range:	11 - 14 Years

Table of Contents

Introduction Dr. Timothy Colton, Chairman Department of Government, Harvard University 4

1 Destroying Democracy 7

2 What Is Fascism? 20

3 The Nazis' Rise to Power 30

4 The Approaching Storm 39

5 Nightmares Made Real 48

Chapter Notes 58

Chronology 60

Glossary 61

Further Reading 62

Internet Resources 62

Index 63

Contributors 64

Editorial Reviews

This title was the most readable and cohesive of books read in this series, probably because the subject is much more limited. While there is mention of fascism in countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy and Chile, the book really focuses primarily on what happened in Germany and how Hitler and the Nazi party managed to grab and maintain power. Scholars have no real definition of fascism; Germany under Hitler seems to be the defining form of government. The book follows Hitler from his early political activities, to the publication of Mein Kampf, and his rise through the ranks of government until he became Der Fuhrer. The description of anti-Semitism and the elimination of people with disabilities, as well Poles, Gypsies, Soviet prisoners and others is mind boggling and just hard to understand. The Gestapo and the reign of terror kept most Germans in line. There was no real explanation why Chamberlain thought appeasement would work, other than he did not fully appreciate the intentions of Hitler. The French seemed to be a bit less sure, but went along. Hitler was afraid of the communists and Russia; in the end, the war on all fronts was more than he and his German army could handle. The book does not describe the demise of Hitler, but the author issues the strong warning at the end of the text “Society ignores the pull of fascism at its own risk.” There are chapter notes, a chronology, glossary, books for further reading for both older and younger readers, Internet resources, and an index. Part of the series “Major Forms of World Government.” Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot; Ages 12 up.

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

Gr 6–10—These excellent overviews explore the evolution and development of influential and powerful forms of government: their roots, rise (and sometimes demise), and impact today. The books define common characteristics and principles in each one and discuss milestones from early times, philosophers, influential documents, political events, and dynamic leaders. Readers learn how economic, religious, and military factors work to define a government. The books explore how different governments function, how leaders maintain order, and what life is like under that form of government. The text-heavy narratives include sidebars to expand information. The well-chosen illustrations and photographs feature lengthy captions, but some information would have been more accessible in the main texts. Considering often volatile nature of world politics, these books offer up-to-date, balanced discussions. Useful for social-studies and history units.—June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CA

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