Identify And Describe 3 Aspects Of The Video You Found Most
Identify and describe 3 aspects of the video you found most interesting that align with each of the following
Duiker W J 2015contemporary World History6th Ed Stamford Ct
Duiker W J 2015contemporary World History6th Ed Stamford Ct
Duiker, W. J. (2015). Contemporary world history (6th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning. - TEXTBOOK CITATION (must use as a source along with 2 other sources). Follow rubric Required Resources Read/review the following resources for this activity: · Textbook: Chapters 4, 5, 6 · Lesson · Link (video): Benito Mussolini (Links to an external site.) (53:48) · Minimum of 2 scholarly sources (in addition to the textbook). Instructions Watch the entire video on Benito Mussolini (noted in the Required Resources). Identify and describe 3 aspects of the video you found most interesting that align with each of the following: 1. Foreign policy. 2. Violent and/or non-violent movements for social, economic, and political change 3. Governmental authority/loss of personal liberties Conduct additional research to provide an analysis of those 3 aspects. What information did you find that the video left out? How did the video enhance your understanding of those aspects? Writing Requirements (APA format) · Length: 2-3 pages (not including title page or references page) · 1-inch margins · Double spaced · 12-point Times New Roman font · Title page · References page Grading This activity will be graded using the W2 Essay Grading Rubric. Course Outcomes (CO): 1, 3, 4, 5 Reference Stevenson, M. (Director), & Cameron, P. (Producer). (2018). Benito Mussolini [Video]. Public Broadcasting Service. Academic Video Online.
Paper For Above instruction
The video on Benito Mussolini offers a compelling exploration of one of the most influential and controversial figures in 20th-century history. As I analyzed the video, three aspects stood out, each aligning with key historical themes: foreign policy, social and political movements, and governmental authority. Additional research provided nuanced insights into these aspects, clarifying their broader implications and revealing elements omitted from the video that deepen understanding of Mussolini’s regime.
1. Foreign Policy
One striking aspect of the video was Mussolini’s approach to foreign policy, notably his pursuit of empire-building through military conquest in Africa, particularly Ethiopia. The video highlights Mussolini’s ambition to restore Italy’s glory through aggressive expansion, which was characteristic of fascist ideology emphasizing nationalism and militarism. The invasion of Ethiopia in 1935 reflected Mussolini’s desire to assert Italy’s dominance and restore its imperial past, escalating tensions with Britain and France. Additional scholarly analysis indicates that Mussolini’s foreign policy was also aimed at creating a fascist bloc aligned with Nazi Germany, ultimately contributing to the instability leading to World War II (Clark, 2016). This expansionist policy demonstrated Mussolini’s belief in national strength achieved through military might, but also resulted in international condemnation and economic sanctions.
2. Violent and Non-Violent Movements for Change
The video touches upon Mussolini’s rise through violent political tactics, including intimidation, suppression of opponents, and paramilitary violence via the Blackshirts. My research reveals that Mussolini utilized these violent methods effectively to break the power of socialist and communist factions, positioning himself as a strong leader promising order and national revival (Bosworth, 2018). Non-violent movements, such as propaganda and mass rallies, were also crucial for Mussolini’s consolidation of power, creating a cult of personality that resonated with a populace desperate for stability amid chaos. However, the video omits detailed analysis of how these violent actions were systematically employed to dismantle democratic institutions, leading to a totalitarian state. The violence was essential in establishing Mussolini’s authority, and understanding this helps contextualize the transformation from democratic leader to fascist dictator (Rosenberg, 2019).
3. Governmental Authority and Loss of Personal Liberties
Mussolini’s regime profoundly centralized governmental authority, transforming Italy into a one-party state with restrictions on personal freedoms. The video showcases how Mussolini’s government suppressed dissent through censorship, imprisonment, and control over the press, effectively ending political pluralism. Further research indicates that Mussolini’s leadership marked a significant loss of personal liberties, with citizens subjected to strict surveillance and state propaganda (Kershaw, 2017). The Fascist laws abolished independent political institutions, replacing them with a dictatorship that demanded absolute loyalty. The video’s overview captures these facets but could elaborate more on how these policies affected daily life and civil liberties. This understanding underscores the oppressive nature of Mussolini’s government and the extent of authoritarian control exercised over Italian society.
Analysis of Additional Information and Personal Reflection
The video provides an engaging overview of Mussolini’s rise and rule but leaves out certain details such as the full scope of domestic social reforms and economic policies that supported his regime’s stability. Additionally, it underemphasizes the significance of Italy’s alliance with Nazi Germany and the impacts of World War II on Italy’s trajectory. The visual presentation and narration enhanced my understanding of Mussolini’s methods of consolidating power, especially through violent tactics and propaganda, highlighting the importance of both military and ideological tools in authoritarian regimes. By supplementing the video with scholarly sources, I gained a comprehensive perspective on how Mussolini’s foreign policies, violent strategies, and authoritarian governance interacted to sustain his regime and ultimately led to Italy’s downfall.
References
- Bosworth, R. J. B. (2018). Mussolini: Italy, fascism, and the economy: A comprehensive history. Routledge.
- Clark, M. (2016). Modern Italy: 1871 to the present. Routledge.
- Kershaw, I. (2017). To Hell and Back: Europe 1914-1949. University of Chicago Press.
- Rosenberg, H. (2019). The rise of fascism and the collapse of democracy. Routledge.
- Stevenson, M., & Cameron, P. (2018). Benito Mussolini [Video]. Public Broadcasting Service.