Fascism and Totalitarianism

TOTALitarianism Key Idea: single party dictatorship that CONTROLS EVERY ASPECT of the lives of its people. No individual rights Must obey government without question Supported extreme nationalism Control of all means of communication- censorship Police spies and state terrorism

Fascism (“fasces”) Word comes from the Latin word ‘fasces’ meaning a bundle of rods tied around an ax handle. This emblem existed during the Roman Empire and had symbolized unity and authority. Mussolini Coined the term Fascism

Fascism - Key Ideas A political philosophy that calls for the glorification of the nation above the individual, a centralized government headed by a dictatorial leader It condemns democracy because political parties destroy the unity of the state. It is a Totalitarian Government that is NOT Communist.

Hitler Youth Video – Left Side As you watch the video record 6-10 facts in bullet point form: After the video, answer the following questions: What did you find most interesting/disturbing in the video? Why were young people drawn to the Hitler Youth? How was the Hitler Youth used to keep “order” in Germany? Why were young people targeted?

Explain how the quotes support the ideas of totalitarianism and fascism “Liberty is not an end, it is a means. As a means it needs to be controlled and dominated. Here we come to the question of force.” “The one means that wins the easiest victory over reason: terror and force.” Benito Mussolini Adolf Hitler