Exploros | The Rise of Fascism

Overview

In this experience, students brainstorm the differences between limited and unlimited governments. Then they learn about totalitarianism in general terms, including both Fascism and Communism. Next they focus on the rise of Nazism in Germany and they explain the connection between World War I and the political developments in Germany. Finally they learn about Fascism in Imperial Japan and they analyze a Japanese propaganda poster.

Objectives

Describe the characteristics of fascism.
Explain the effect of World War I on the rise of totalitarianism.

Engage

The decade following World War I saw great economic development in the United States, which became a major force in world finance. The period is known as the Roaring Twenties. Most of war-torn Europe, however, did not share in the prosperity. When the stock market crashed and the Great Depression hit the United States, the European economy took another blow. Many unhappy Europeans were desperate for a strong leader to restore order to their countries. In this experience, you will learn about one of the ideologies that arose against this background.

Objectives

Describe the characteristics of fascism.
Explain the effect of World War I on the rise of totalitarianism.

huge statues of two men, one with an outstretched arm

North Koreans bow before statues of their leaders, past and present.

Think about two very different forms of government: limited government and unlimited government. Begin by thinking about the words limited and unlimited. If, for example, you have a limited amount of candy versus an unlimited amount of candy, you know the difference, right?

Brainstorm what you think the differences are between limited government and unlimited government. In the chart, post a definition, features, or example. You do not need to answer in complete sentences.

Discuss student responses. Sample answers include:

Limited government:

Established and respected restraints on power of leaders
Usually a constitution defines the government structure
Everyone, including all authority figures, must obey the laws
Rights and freedoms are protected by a document
May be a direct democracy, representative democracy, or constitutional monarchy
Examples—United States, Great Britain, Botswana, contemporary Japan

Unlimited government:

Leader’s power is unlimited
No guarantee of personal rights or freedoms; the government controls nearly every aspect of citizens’ lives
May be authoritarian (political power is concentrated in one person or a small group, and individuals and groups are subordinated to that power) or totalitarian (the government attempts to control every aspect of the lives of individuals and prohibits independent associations)
Examples—Nazi Germany, the former Soviet Union, Argentina under military regimes, contemporary Iran

Remind students that the U.S. Constitution establishes a limited government, where there is a separation of powers and system of checks and balances to ensure that no single branch or individual has too much power. The source of authority comes from the people, who elect the leaders.

When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.