Solution: Daily Problem Practice [World History: Week 17]- 7 February

Q.  Discuss the similarities as well as differences between the two brand of Fascism: Hitler’s Nazi system and Mussolini’s fascist system. [20 Marks]

Ans:

Mussolini started the first fascist party, in Italy; Later the term was used to describe other right-wing movements and governments throughout the world. Each brand of so-called ‘fascism’ had its own special features; in the case of the German Nazis, there were many similarities with Mussolini’s fascist system, but also some important differences.

Similarities

• Both were intensely anti-communist and, because of this, drew a solid basis of support from all classes.
• They were anti-democratic and attempted to organize a totalitarian state, controlling industry, agriculture and the way of life of the people, so that personal freedom was limited.
• They attempted to make the country self-sufficient.
• They emphasized the close unity of all classes working together to achieve these ends.
• Both emphasized the supremacy of the state, were intensely nationalistic, glorifying war, and the cult of the hero/leader who would guide the rebirth of the nation from its troubles.

Differences

• Fascism never seemed to take root in Italy as deeply as the Nazi system did in Germany.
• The Italian system was not as efficient as that in Germany. The Italians never came anywhere near achieving self-sufficiency and never eliminated unemployment; in fact unemployment rose. The Nazis succeeded in eliminating unemployment, though they never achieved complete autarky.
• The Italian system was not as ruthless or as brutal as that in Germany and there were no mass atrocities, though there were unpleasant incidents like the murders of Matteotti and Amendola.
• Italian fascism was not particularly anti-Jewish or racist until 1938, when Mussolini adopted the policy to emulate Hitler.
• Nazism considered class based society as enemy and stood for unifying the racial element. But fascism wanted to preserve the class system. The fascists almost accepted the concept of social mobility, while Nazism was against it.
• Mussolini was more successful than Hitler with his religious policy after his agreement with the pope in 1929.
• Their constitutional positions were different: the monarchy still remained in Italy, and though Mussolini normally ignored Victor Emmanuel, the king played a vital role in 1943 when Mussolini’s critics turned to him as head of state. He was able to announce Mussolini’s dismissal and order his arrest. Unfortunately, there was nobody in Germany who could dismiss Hitler.
• Fascist supported corporatism but the Nazis rejected corporatism although they supported state intervention in the economy and cultural production.

In spite of having some differences, both were proved to be devastating for humanity though with differing degrees.

NOTE:

• All those enrolled for 2019 Test Series can send their answers for evaluation in PDF format after scanning (you can use camscanner) on historytestseries2019@gmail.com
• Name your file as your name and date. For example, if your name is Ashok Kumar and you are sending answer of 10th January, your file should be named as AshokKumar_10january.pdf
• Answers will be evaluated within two days. (It may take more time to evaluate answers sent late).