New Perspectives on Fascism

Examines the new light shed by recent research on Italian Fascism, placing Italy's Fascist ventennio (1922-45) in a larger European context. Among the questions to be addressed: What explains Mussolini's rise to power and his ability to stay in power? To what extent did Italians become Fascist? What role did force play in ensuring popular allegiance to the regime? What role did the Church play? Did Fascism remake concepts of gender? Attention will be paid to the role of the media, writers, intellectuals, and the arts. Comparison with Nazi Germany and other regimes labeled “Fascist” will be explored.