Fascist Propaganda
WORLDHISTORY PROJECT 1750 / LESSON 7.4CLOSERFASCIST PROPAGANDAUnless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under CC BY 4.0. Credit: “Fascist Propaganda”, OER Project, www.oerproject.com/1PurposeThis lesson was loaded with -isms and -ologies, and other seemingly intense vocabulary words. This activity will help you sort out those definitions and apply them in a way that will help you remember them better. You’ll alsopractice deconstructing and closely examiningthe messages that politicians, advertisers, and other influencers use.Process1.Review the vocab words associated withfascism below and match each term to its definition. Look back at your notes or the lesson materials if you’re not sure.eugenicsThe belief that the borders of a state should match the homeland of a people, and that those people have the right to govern themselves.authoritarianismA medical procedure that permanently prevents a person from having children.regimeFalsely or exaggeratedly claiming you or your group is being harmed to gain sympathy, avoid blame, or justify actions.Social DarwinismUnfairly blaming a person or group for problems they didn’t cause, often to distract people or create anger.sterilizationA system of government where one leader or a small group has all the power, and citizens have very little freedom to speak out.nationalismThe belief that a country should have a strong military and be ready to use it to achieve its goals.militarismThe pseudoscientific idea that humans can be “improved” by controlling who is allowed to have children—often based on race, disability, or other traits.scapegoatingThe set of ideas and beliefs that a society holds that justifies taking over other countries and ruling them.victimizationA government—especially one that is strict, powerful, or has been in control for a long time.imperialismThe pseudoscientific idea that some people, races, or nations are naturally better or stronger than others, based on a misunderstanding of the theory of evolution.
WORLDHISTORY PROJECT 1750 / LESSON 7.4CLOSERFASCIST PROPAGANDA22.Examine the four fascist propaganda posters starting on the next page. Click here to see larger versions.Respond to the questions that appear with each image.
WORLDHISTORY PROJECT 1750 / LESSON 7.4CLOSERFASCIST PROPAGANDA3“Hope for the future.”Germany, 1936.Which characteristics of fascism do you see in this poster? List them below.How might this poster have influenced people to think a certain way?
WORLDHISTORY PROJECT 1750 / LESSON 7.4CLOSERFASCIST PROPAGANDA4“The NSDAP [Nazi Party] protects the people. Your fellow comrades need your advice and help, so join the local party organization.” Germany, 1930s.Which characteristics of fascism do you see in this poster? List them below.How might this poster have influenced people to think a certain way?
WORLDHISTORY PROJECT 1750 / LESSON 7.4CLOSERFASCIST PROPAGANDA5“Believe. Obey. Fight.”Italy, 1937.Which characteristics of fascism do you see in this poster? List them below.How might this poster have influenced people to think a certain way?“Protect him!” Italy, 1930s.Which characteristics of fascism do you see in this poster? List them below. How might this poster have influenced people to think a certain way?