The History of the Twentieth Century

Explore the ideological roots of fascism and its appeal to the working class, contrasting it with socialism. Delve into the troubling narratives of racial superiority and eugenics and the manipulation of historical truths that define fascist belief systems. Uncover the fierce rejection of socialism as fascists rose to power through democratic means amidst chaos. Learn about the powerful propaganda that crafted a unifying conspiracy theory in early 1930s Germany, and examine the complex economic strategies that accompanied these regimes.

Discover the captivating roots of fascism and its unique place in political ideology. Dive into the irrationalism that characterizes fascist thought and its historical distrust of intellectualism. Explore the complex relationship between fascism and socialism, including the misjudgments of early socialists. Reflect on the disillusionment of returning soldiers post-war and how it paved the way for fascism’s rise in Germany and Italy. Plus, uncover how nationalism intertwined with socialism to create a fertile ground for extremist movements.

Hitler became chancellor of a mostly-not-Nazi cabinet. But he also demanded yet another election and worked hard to create a sense of crisis that would encourage more votes for Nazis.

Just when it seemed the National Socialist movement was beginning to lose steam, other right-wing parties join the Nazis in a coalition, thinking to use the movement for their own purposes.

Germany held four national elections in 1932, and a number of state elections besides. The NSDAP, the Nazi Party did quite well, but fell short every time. By the end of the year, there were signs the Party was losing steam.

With the 1930 German federal election, the Nazi party went from the fringes to status as one of Germany's major political parties. But that's not the same as participating in government.

In the late Twenties, Germany saw its Communist and National Socialist parties grow in popularity, especially the latter. Adolf Hitler became the unlikely leader of the right wing in Germany, while the Communists dismissed the Nazis as a temporary obstacle.

The Japanese occupation of Manchuria was the first real test of the League of Nations, as this was exactly the kind of aggressive act the League was created to prevent. Unfortunately, the League failed the test.

Ever since the eighth planet, Neptune, was discovered in 1846, some astronomers searched for a hypothetical ninth planet. Clyde Tombaugh discovered the ninth planet in 1930. Or did he?

Japan had a rough time of it in the 1920s, between the global economic shocks and a devastating 1923 earthquake. Japanese military commanders saw control of Manchuria as key to Japan's economic independence, and they weren't about to let the politicians in Tokyo interfere.