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Fascism and Internationalism

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 factors that drove these decisions, and the consequences that followed.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the characteristics and origins of authoritarian ideologies such as fascism.
  2. Use close-reading skills to understand how and why diplomacy failed to prevent a second World War.
  3. Use the historical thinking practices of comparison and causation to analyze the rise of authoritarian governments in various regions of the world.

Vocab Terms:

  • antisemitism
  • appeasement
  • authoritarian
  • concentration camp
  • dictator
  • fascism
  • internationalism
  • Nazi
STEP 1

Opener: Fascism and Internationalism

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of the Lesson 7.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

Want to dig into more World War II resources? There are a lot of options on the World War II topic page.

STEP 2

The Road to Ruin

Teaching Tools

What did he know?: Appeasement

The scenario: Students role-play Neville Chamberlain as he made five crucial decisions about how to respond to Hitler in the lead-up to World War II:

  • Anschluss (annexation of Austria), March 1938
  • Munich Agreement, September 1938
  • Occupation of Czechoslovakia, March 1939
  • Anglo-Polish Guarantee, March 1939
  • Invasion of Poland, September 1939

Prompt AI to provide students with a list of what Chamberlain knew at each step (military strength, public opinion, alliances, and Hitler’s demands). Using answers to these questions—and carefully fact-checking—students then generate arguments for and against appeasement, defending their decisions in a class discussion.

Why this is genius: By stepping into the shoes of a historical actor, students practice historical empathy. AI supports their research, but students must determine what evidence mattered most at the time.

As fascist leaders rose to power, democratic nations faced difficult choices. Discover how efforts to keep peace through compromise shaped the path to another war.

STEP 3

A New Threat

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 4 of the Lesson 7.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

While war is a common topic in a social studies classroom, it does not diminish the challenging nature of the subject. Think about how to approach these topics with your students by taking a look this resource on Teaching Sensitive Topics in Social Studies.

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

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.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.

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.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 4

Closer: Fascism and Internationalism

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 6 of the Lesson 7.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

Still looking for support for students in reading Graphic Biographies? This video, Decode a Graphic Biography, is a great tutorial, led by Trevor Getz.

Phibunsongkhram’s leadership in Thailand shows how authoritarianism during the interwar period wasn’t limited to Europe. His use of fascist ideas—adapted to local goals—challenges simple definitions and expands our understanding of global authoritarianism.

Extension Materials
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Gain some additional insight into how people around the world promoted peace and cooperation—even as authoritarianism and nationalism gained ground.
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Choosing Cooperation

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 7 of the Lesson 7.3 Teaching Guide Locked .