After reading and discussing the rise of fascism in early 20th Century, the use of nationalism was noticeably important for both Benito Mussolini in Italy and Adolf Hitler in Germany. Their appeal to a sense of national unity coupled with powerful public speaking was a potent combination when it came to getting mass support from the citizens. But don't American politicians do the same thing? We've all seen the films of Hitler speaking, surrounded by hanging Nazi flags and crowds of supporters. But how much of a difference is there between what we saw in 1930's Europe and this picture of the last Presidential Inauguration in Washington, DC? During campaigns, political candidates in the US always use red, white, and blue for their logo colors. Support for the troops, higher wages for the working class, and greater efficiency in government are preached at rallies and town hall meetings. So again, why aren't all politicians called out as being nationalists seeking to turn the United States into a fascist state?
The answer is Patriotism. Mark Twain has a famous quote: "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." Supporting your country, and embracing patriotism is common in the United States, but so is criticism of the government. The difference between patriotism and nationalism is being willing to disagree with your country when it makes mistakes or has poor leadership. Criticism is not allowed in fascist states, as we discussed with the Blackshirts or SS attacking dissenting citizens. Propaganda is used to keep fuel for criticism out of the hands of the public. In the US, criticism is openly allowed and even protected.
As we discussed in class, the Italian and German citizens knew that fascism would have problems, but supported and allowed it anyway. It reminds me of the parent of a child who has committed a crime. There are those who when interviewed will say what a good person their son or daughter is, and completely deny that they could have any fault or do any wrong. This is not constructive in any way. Then there are those who are willing to admit the truth and be constructive in helping their offspring. Patriotism is the latter, and a healthy amount among the population can not only unify, but help strengthen a nation without the extreme denial of nationalism, and the problems that come with it.
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I love the Mark Twain quote you used. Given Twain’s definition of patriotism, I would be inclined to say he might define nationalism as ‘defending your government all the time—whether it deserves it or not.’ It is difficult for me to see how people would follow a regime that is clearly bad in every sense of the word, but more than that, I can’t understand how it is that people like Hitler and Mussolini were even able to rally people together with nationalistic propaganda and what not in the first place. They divided the population and destroyed people’s lives on many levels. Things may not have initially been so bad, and perhaps that is why such tactics appealed to some people. It is hard to believe they wouldn’t have noticed any hints of what was to come with people so barbaric, though.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the way things were when Hitler and Mussolini came into power were very similar to Presidential campaigns now. Patriotism is the big difference and the ability to speak out against your government when it is wrong. I cannot say that there is anything like the SS or the blackshirts now. We do have a couple of groups that have intimidated people to voting their way, the New Black Panther Party and the KKK are a few examples.
ReplyDeleteWhile I think that you are correct in arguing that nationalism played a role in the rise of fascism, I think that such an answer ignore a few things. First, skillful use of national propaganda was not the sole preserve of Fascists (think Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.) Second, nationalism can take many forms, some chauvinistic, others loyal but critical. Third, plenty of other groups in Weimar Germany were nationalistic and sought revision of the Versailles Treaty so nationalism alone does not explain the rise of Fascism. Certainly it is a component but I would argue it was less important than the few of Socialism or the feeling that current political parties no longer protected one's key interests.
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