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Fascism : The Rise Of Fascism

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Fascism is a difficult Ideology to define as it has common elements such as powerful leaders and strong elements of Nationalism. To understand the rise of Fascism in Germany it is essential to understand the impact of the First World War on every aspect of German economic, social and political life. The Weimar republic faced significant challenges not the least that it was associated with defeat and the Treaty of Versailles which was exploited by Hitler in his use of propaganda. The chaotic conditions, the weakness of its opponents and the collusion of elites terrified of communism all played a role in the rise of Fascism.
The historian Kevin Passmore has pointed out that arriving at a definition of fascism is difficult largely due to “the contradictory nature of fascism” and the fact that fascists “disagreed amongst themselves about the very essence of their movement.” (Passmore, 2002, pg30) He explains that ideological perspective affects definition and that these perspectives must be considered by those seeking a comprehensive definition (Passmore, 2002, pg23). To Passmore “Fascism is a set of ideologies and practices that seeks to place the nation, defined in exclusive biological, cultural and/or historical terms above all sources of loyalty and to create a mobilized national community” (Passmore, 2002, pg31). He explains that while fascist nationalism is reactionary due to its hatred of socialism and feminism it is also a movement of the radical right because of its

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