Description

This course will offer a comparative exploration of the deep and enduring appeal of fascism and far rightist politics in twentieth century Europe. Beginning with the nationalist revival and cultural crisis of the late nineteenth century and the cataclysm of World War I, we will trace the rise of the radical right to political prominence in Europe in the 1920's and 1930's. While retaining a Europe-wide perspective throughout, we will analyze in particular detail the Fascist and National Socialist seizures of power in Italy and Germany, and examine their efforts of political, social, economic and cultural mobilization. Issues covered will include fascist political communication and governance, terror and "normality" in everyday life, labor and youth policy, racism and racial purification, and gender and reproductive politics, among others. In the final section of the course, we will contemplate the historical legacy of fascism after 1945, focusing on the politics of memory and representation in post-war Germany, Italy and Europe more generally, and assessing the recent resurgence of fascist and quasi-fascist political tendencies in the 1980's and 1990's.