If you’ve heard the word fascism before, you’re in luck. That means you’ve probably researched or read enough to know that there shouldn’t be a comeback today or for the foreseeable future. Fascism is a nationalist political philosophy and form of government led by a charismatic dictator or tyrant who wields absolute authority and controls industry, governance, culture and all aspects of society. Fascist leaders do not tolerate criticism and dissent of any kind and use violence to control the population.
During the more than 25 years from the end of World War I to the beginning of World War II, three European countries, Germany, Italy, and Spain, became fascist countries that had a major impact on human history. The film takes you back to the early 20th century, where you can learn step by step how fascism came to power quickly and with devastating consequences.
Learn about the political and socio-economic background and circumstances of the three countries after World War I. World War I was grueling, with a loss of life unprecedented in history. Many people are angry, scared and resentful because of the shame of losing the war, an incompetent government and a bad economy. These factors made it easy for charismatic leaders like Hitler and Mussolini to manipulate and improve angry masses hungry for real social change in order to legitimately elect them to power.
Once legally elected, these leaders unconstitutionally seized more power, justifying these actions as the only way to prevent threats to the country and their “superior” way of life. Individuality, personal liberty and choice are quickly set aside, or worse; It led to genocide and another world war on a much larger scale.
Fascism is still alive in the 21st century, though perhaps not as much as it was then. But it’s good to learn from past mistakes, and this movie is a great way to learn about more mistakes, think critically, and see signs that fascist beliefs may be making a comeback.
