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Lesson 7.6 Vocab

antisemitism
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Definition

prejudice, discrimination, or hostility toward Jews

Use In A Sentence

The genocide of the Holocaust was largely motivated by the Nazi's anti-semitism.

authoritarianism
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Definition

a system of ruling that advocates for complete obedience or subjection to authority, especially political authority, without concern for individual rights

Use In A Sentence

Without access to non-governmental newspapers, the citizens living under authoritarianism could not learn much about international affairs.

communism
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Definition

the theory of a classless social system in which all property and means of production are owned in common; socialist theory deriving from the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and adopted by the Soviet Union

Use In A Sentence

China adopted communism as their political and economic system in 1949.

concentration camp
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Definition

a prison camp in which large numbers of political prisoners, aliens, or those considered undesirable are confined and sometimes executed

Use In A Sentence

During the 1940s, Japanese Americans on the West coast were forced into concentration camps by the US military.

fascism
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Definition

a system of government characterized by strong, often dictatorial control of political and economic affairs, and often by warlike nationalism and brutal suppression of political dissidents and ethnic minorities

Use In A Sentence

The Nazi's wanted to spread fascism and rule the world.

internationalism
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Definition

the principle or policy of international cooperation, especially economic and governmental

Use In A Sentence

Internationalism ideas were key to the success of the Allies.

party platform
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Definition

a set of ideas and goals that a political party says it will support and work toward

Use In A Sentence

The party platform included promises to improve schools and lower taxes.

propaganda
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Definition

information or statements of opinion that are deliberately circulated among the public in order to persuade the population to accept a particular point of view, especially one in favor of or opposed to a particular movement, cause, or doctrine

Use In A Sentence

The government spread propaganda to convince people of the threat from foreign enemies.

welfare capitalism
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Definition

a system where businesses provide benefits like healthcare or pensions to workers to keep them loyal and avoid unions

Use In A Sentence

Some companies practiced welfare capitalism by giving workers health insurance.

Competing Ideologies

Teacher Resources

Course Guide icon

Lesson Guide

Find lesson timing, sample answers, teaching tips, and important teacher instructions.

Driving Question: Why did extremist ideologies like fascism emerge during the interwar period?

In the shadow of World War I, some nations pushed for peace and cooperation while others promised strength through control. Examine the forces that drove these decisions, and the consequences that followed.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Evaluate the characteristics and origins of authoritarian ideologies such as fascism.
  2. Use causal and comparative thinking to analyze the rise of authoritarian governments in various regions of the world.
  3. Use a graphic biography to support, extend, or challenge the overarching narratives of this period.

Vocab Terms:

STEP 1

Opener: Competing Ideologies

As you get ready to examine extremist ideologies, step into the shoes of a citizen watching their nation fall to pieces.

Opener

A Nation in Crisis External link

You are a citizen of a fictional nation in the throes of ideological struggle. Which side will you choose?
STEP 2

A New Threat

Teaching Tools

The Second World War and the ideologies surrounding it—especially fascism—can create discomfort and even conflict in some contexts today. Think about how to approach these topics with your students and set discussion expectations ahead of time. If you need more support, take a look at the OER Project’s Teaching Sensitive Topics in Social Studies External link .

This introduction works best if you can help students understand that fascism, communism, and authoritarianism aren’t synonyms. A simple chart comparing who gets power, how they justify it, and what they promise in return can keep the distinctions clear. The Internationalism Between the Wars video External link is especially useful because it reminds students that the 1920s and 1930s were not only about the rise of extremism. There were serious people across the world attempting to build peace.

Fascism emerged as a powerful force in the interwar period, but it wasn’t the only path forward. Compare how different ideologies, from authoritarianism to internationalism, competed to shape the future in a time of crisis.

Internationalism Between the Wars External link

After World War I, many people had dreams of peace and international cooperation. But these dreams were not realized as the world grew more isolationist and combative.

What Is Fascism? External link

What is fascism, really? This video breaks down the core ideas and strategies behind fascist movements, revealing how they rose to power and helped ignite World War II.

Article

Exercising Authoritarianism External link

As authoritarian leaders came to power in many countries, some people might have realized the horrors to come, but most barely recognized the danger.

Activity

Political Party Platform External link

In this activity, you’ll examine one party’s platform and try to determine why such a platform would be so appealing to so many.
STEP 3

Closer: Competing Ideologies

Teaching Tools

Still looking for support for students in reading graphic biographies? Decode a Graphic Biography External link is a great video tutorial that’s led by Trevor Getz.

Phibunsongkhram’s use of fascist ideas in Thailand was adapted to his local and regional goals. His story expands our understanding of global authoritarianism.

Closer

Power, Propaganda, and Pad Thai External link

During the Second World War, a dictator arose in Thailand. How did his ideology and strategies reflect the conflicts of the interwar period?

Graphic Biographies

Plaek Phibunsongkhram External link

As the leader of Thailand, Plaek Phibunsongkhram shaped his own version of fascism and aligned the country with Japan during the Second World War.
Extension Materials
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Use these case studies for added insight into how fascist, communist, and authoritarian governments gained ground in this era.
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Fascism, Communism, and Authoritarianism

Why did so many countries turn to extremist leaders in the interwar years? These articles add valuable global context by examining how fascism, communism, and authoritarianism took root in Italy, the Soviet Union, and Japan. These cases help you compare how different systems responded to crisis—and why so many people supported strong, often repressive, governments.

Article

Fascism in Germany External link

The Nazis were not the only fascists in Europe. But Nazism’s racist ideology and persecution of Jews distinguished it from other varieties of fascism.

Article

Fascism in Italy External link

Fascist Italy was Europe’s first authoritarian state of its kind. This article traces how Mussolini built power, where his regime succeeded and failed, and how Fascism in Italy compared to other movements during the interwar period.

Article

Communism in the Soviet Union External link

This examination of the totalitarian features of the Soviet state under Stalin is a great way to learn the differences between two rival ideologies: communism and fascism.

Article

Authoritarianism in Japan External link

In interwar Japan, militarism fueled the rise of authoritarianism. Learn how leaders used their power to build a wartime empire.