Fascism and the Origins of World War II

Posted on Feb 28, 2025 in History

The Rise of Fascism and its Principles

Fascism, as a political model, first emerged in Italy and Germany during the interwar period. Over time, the term acquired a broader meaning, referring to an authoritarian backlash against the expansion of equality among citizens. It is characterized by the following principles:

  • Extreme Nationalism: Often incorporating a racist element.
  • Exaltation of the State: Prioritizing the state over individual rights and freedoms.
  • Rejection of Liberalism and Democracy: Denying the principles of equality, popular sovereignty, and suffrage.
  • Cult of the Leader: Concentrating all power in a single individual.
  • Distrust of Reason: Embracing a more emotional and instinctual approach.

Nazi Germany’s Expansionist Policies

A primary consequence of Hitler’s rise to power was Germany’s withdrawal from the League of Nations in 1933, signaling a rejection of the international order. Nazi Germany pursued an aggressive policy of expansion in Europe, often through *fait accompli*, leaving democratic powers unable to respond effectively.

The Weakness of Democracies

The Spanish Civil War facilitated a closer relationship between Hitler and Mussolini, as both supported the insurgents against the Second Spanish Republic. In October 1936, the Rome-Berlin Axis was formalized, and a month later, Japan signed the Anti-Comintern Pact with Germany, directed against the USSR. The Spanish Civil War exposed the weakness of democracies, which pursued a policy of non-intervention. Britain, under Chamberlain, championed a policy of appeasement towards Hitler.

*Anschluss* and Early Nazi Expansionism

In March 1938, German troops occupied Austria. Hitler then forced a referendum that resulted in Austria’s incorporation into the Reich. In September 1938, he convened the Munich Conference with the prime ministers of Britain, France, and Italy. The conference accepted the German occupation of the Sudetenland. Hitler and Mussolini further solidified their political and military alliance with the Pact of Steel, finally raising the alarm among the democracies.

The Outbreak of War in Europe

Nazi expansionism next targeted Poland. However, Hitler was aware that invading Poland could provoke a Western response due to Poland’s alliances with France and Great Britain. Stalin opted for the German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact, signed by Molotov and Ribbentrop. The Nazi invasion of Poland stemmed from Hitler’s claim on the Free City of Danzig, populated by Germans, and his demand for a highway and railway through the Polish Corridor.

Japanese Imperialism in Asia

The Japanese invasion of Manchuria in China marked the beginning of Japan’s expansionist policies, leading to the formation of the puppet state of Manchukuo. From 1934, Japan expressed its ambition to create a large naval force for future expansion in the Pacific. In 1938, it announced its goal of creating “Greater East Asia.”

Demographic Impact of WWII

World War II resulted in the deaths of over 55 million people. The USSR suffered the highest casualties, followed by China, Germany, and Poland. A staggering 95% of the casualties were civilians, highlighting a new dimension of the catastrophe: the profound impact of mortality on the civilian population. Population displacements continued even after 1945.

The United Nations (UN)

The Charter of the United Nations was adopted at the San Francisco Conference, with 46 states initially adhering to it. The UN’s objectives were to maintain peace and security, uphold the sovereign equality of all its members, and resolve conflicts peacefully. All UN members are represented and have a vote in the General Assembly.