History Part 1: No Minimum Words Discussion 1 The Rise Of Co

Historypart1 No Minimum Wordsdiscussion 1 The Rise Of Communism And

Compare and contrast the two types of authoritarian governments that arose after 1917, that is, communism and fascism. Discuss the origins of these governments, their accomplishments, and their failures. Analyze what accounts for the support from the masses that mobilized behind these movements. Explore how these ideologies appealed to the populations, the historical contexts that fostered their growth, and their impacts on global history. The discussion should include an examination of the ideological foundations, leadership styles, policies implemented, and the societal responses that facilitated or hindered their development.

Paper For Above instruction

The emergence of communism and fascism after the tumultuous period of 1917 marked a significant shift in global political landscapes. These two authoritarian regimes diverged sharply in origins, philosophies, methods of governance, and societal impact, yet both managed to mobilize mass support and deeply influence future world events.

Origins of Communism and Fascism

Communism, as envisioned by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, found its roots amidst the socio-economic upheavals caused by industrialization and proletarian exploitation. The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 in Russia was a direct response to oppressive czarist rule, exacerbated by economic hardship and war fatigue during World War I. The Bolsheviks aimed to overthrow the bourgeoisie, establish a classless society, and control means of production centrally. This ideology was rooted in Marxist theory, advocating for a dictatorship of the proletariat to transition into a stateless, communist society. Lenin's leadership was pivotal in consolidating power and implementing policies such as War Communism and the New Economic Policy, which aimed to stabilize the economy and spread revolutionary ideals.

In contrast, fascism emerged primarily in Italy under Benito Mussolini and later in Germany with Adolf Hitler, driven by nationalistic fervor, fears of socialism, and reactions to perceived humiliations from the Treaty of Versailles. Fascism was rooted in ultranationalism, militarism, authoritarian leadership, and anti-communism. It rejected the ideas of equality promoted by socialism and communism, emphasizing state supremacy, racial purity, and a glorification of the nation-state. Mussolini utilized propaganda, paramilitary groups like the Blackshirts, and a cult of personality to consolidate power. In Germany, Hitler’s Nazi movement capitalized on widespread economic instability, resentment over territorial losses, and anti-Semitic sentiments to galvanize support.

Accomplishments and Failures

Both systems claimed to usher in progress—communism aimed to eliminate class struggle and promote social equality, while fascism sought to restore national pride and unity. Communist regimes, like the Soviet Union, achieved rapid industrialization, collectivization, and the expansion of literacy and health services. However, these accomplishments often came at immense human costs, including purges, famines, and political repression. Their failure to sustain true political freedoms and economic stability, coupled with human rights abuses, marred their legacies.

Fascist regimes also achieved a degree of economic revival through state intervention and autarkic policies, and they successfully fostered a sense of national identity among their populations. Nonetheless, their dictatorial rule was marked by aggressive expansionism, suppression of dissent, and, ultimately, catastrophic wars. Their failure to establish peace or sustainable governance led to devastating consequences including World War II and the Holocaust—a genocide that exterminated millions of Jews and other minorities deemed undesirable by Nazi ideology.

Support from the Masses

The support for both communism and fascism was largely driven by economic insecurities, social upheavals, and national humiliations. In Russia, the chaos of war and economic disparity fostered revolutionary fervor among workers and soldiers craving stability and equity. Communism promised a radical overhaul of societal structures, appealing to the oppressed classes seeking justice.

In fascist regimes, the appeal was more emotional and nationalist—propaganda played a critical role. Mussolini and Hitler exploited fears of socialism, communism, and foreign influence, positioning themselves as strong leaders capable of restoring national greatness. The promise of restoring pride, re-establishing order, and providing economic stability resonated with war-weary and impoverished populations. The use of charismatic oratory, mass rallies, and propaganda facilitated mass mobilization.

Conclusion

While communism and fascism emerged from distinct ideological backgrounds—Marxist internationalism versus ultranationalist fervor—they both capitalized on societal discontent and used propaganda to garner support. Their accomplishments, though tangible in some areas such as industrialization and national revival, were overshadowed by their failures: repression, war, and human rights atrocities. Their rise highlights the importance of social, economic, and political contexts in shaping authoritarian regimes and demonstrates how mass support can be manipulated under conditions of crisis.

References

• Friedrich, C. J. (2007). The ideology of fascism. University of California Press.
• Hobsbawm, E. J. (1994). The age of extremes: The short twentieth century 1914-1991. Michael Joseph.
• Lewin, M. (2012). The soviet union: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Paxton, R. O. (2004). The anatomy of fascism. Knopf Publishing Group.
• Clark, K. (2010). The poverty of fascism. Duke University Press.
• Kershaw, I. (2008). Hitler: A biography. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Harvey, D. (2003). The new imperialism. Oxford University Press.
• Rome, A. (2004). The Russian Revolution: A new history. Oxford University Press.
• Volkogonov, D. (1999). Lenin: A new biography. Free Press.
• Rubenstein, W. (2009). The cultural history of fascism. Palgrave Macmillan.