The Rise Of Communism And Fascism

The Rise Of Communism And Fascism

Discussion 2: the rise of communism and fascism Due 11/6 @6pm EST · Please make sure ALL questions are answered · Minimum of 2 sources cited for EACH discussion · APA format for in-text citations and list of references Initial Post Instructions For the initial post, select and address one of the following: · Option 1: Examine Marx's writings on communism and socialism and compare them to how they manifested in reality? What worked and what didn't? What misconceptions do we have about his original intent based on what we see in past or current governments? · Option 2: Compare and contrast communism and fascism. Select one example for each to examine the origins of the governments, their accomplishments, and their failures. What accounts for the fact that the masses mobilized to support these movements? Elaborate. · Option 3: Examine Depression-Era social programs (select one or more to examine in detail). Were the fears of a communist take-over based on the implementation of these programs grounded in reality? Why or why not? How do they compare to social programs in place today?

Paper For Above instruction

The rise of communism and fascism marks pivotal moments in 20th-century history, reflecting contrasting ideologies that profoundly influenced global politics. Analyzing these movements entails examining their origins, implementations, successes, failures, and the reasons behind mass support. This paper will compare and contrast communism and fascism, focusing on their emergence, achievements, and shortcomings, supported by credible scholarly sources.

Origins and Ideological Foundations

Communism emerged from Marxist theory, primarily articulated by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the 19th century. Their writings envisioned a classless society free from bourgeois exploitation, advocating for proletariat revolution to overthrow capitalist systems (Marx & Engels, 1848). The Bolshevik Revolution in Russia (1917) exemplifies the practical application of Marx's ideas, aiming to establish a communist state. Conversely, fascism originated in Italy under Benito Mussolini, influenced by nationalist, militarist, and authoritarian ideals that rejected both liberal democracy and socialism (Paxton, 2004). Fascism emphasized strong centralized leadership, national unity, and militarism, often employing ultranationalist rhetoric.

Manifestations, Achievements, and Failures

Communism’s most notable achievement was the establishment of the Soviet Union, which rapidly industrialized and became a global superpower, although at high human and economic costs (Service, 2000). However, its failures included authoritarian repression, economic inefficiencies, and the suppression of political dissent, resulting in widespread disillusionment, particularly with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 (Applebaum, 2003).

Fascism, exemplified by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, achieved initial economic stabilization and national rejuvenation through militarization and state control. Nazi Germany's rearmament and implementation of social welfare programs fostered initial support. Nonetheless, fascist regimes ultimately failed due to aggressive expansionism, human rights atrocities, and wars that led to their downfall, notably WWII (Kershaw, 2008).

Mass Mobilization and Support

Both movements garnered mass support through effective propaganda and appeals to national pride. In Russia, the promise of social equality and ending war resonated with war-weary and impoverished populations (Fitzpatrick, 1994). In Italy and Germany, economic instability, fears of communism, and humiliation from the Treaty of Versailles created fertile ground for fascist appeals to nationalism and order (Norris & Inglehart, 2019). The ability to channel public anxieties into collective action explained the support for these movements.

Comparison with Social Programs and Misconceptions

During the Great Depression, social programs such as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal aimed to alleviate economic distress and prevent communist revolutions in the US (Leuchtenberg, 1963). Some feared these initiatives were steps toward socialist or communist control, but these programs primarily aimed to stabilize capitalism rather than overthrow it. Today, social programs are often misunderstood; while some equate welfare policies with socialism, they are largely designed as safety nets within democratic capitalist frameworks, balancing economic security and individual rights (Gilens & Page, 2014).

Conclusion

In conclusion, both communism and fascism arose from socio-economic disturbances and political disenchantment. While they achieved certain goals, their authoritarian nature and human rights abuses led to widespread failure. Understanding their origins and impacts, alongside contemporary social policies, offers vital lessons about the importance of balancing economic stability, political freedoms, and societal needs. Recognizing misconceptions about these ideologies helps prevent the recurrence of such extreme regimes in the future.

References

• Applebaum, A. (2003). Gulag: A history. Doubleday.
• Fitzpatrick, S. (1994). The Russian Revolution. Oxford University Press.
• Kershaw, I. (2008). Hitler: A biography. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Leuchtenberg, W. E. (1963). The FDR years: 1933-1945. Harper & Row.
• Marx, K., & Engels, F. (1848). The Communist Manifesto. International Publishers.
• Norris, P., & Inglehart, R. (2019). Cultural backlash: Trump, Brexit, and rising nationalist movements. Cambridge University Press.
• Paxton, R. O. (2004). The anatomy of fascism. Alfred A. Knopf.
• Service, R. (2000). A history of modern Russia: From Nicholas II to Vladimir Putin. Harvard University Press.
• Skocpol, T. (1979). States and social revolutions. Cambridge University Press.
• Zubok, V. M. (2007). A failed empire: The Soviet Union in the Cold War from Stalin to Gorbachev. Stanford University Press.