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Home / Periods / Interwar Period / Rise of Fascism

Phase

Rise of Fascism

1919–1939 CE

The rise of fascism followed World War I amid economic fear, nationalist grievance, anti-communism and disillusionment with liberal politics. Mussolini took power in Italy, Hitler rose in Germany, and fascist movements influenced politics across Europe. Violence, propaganda, paramilitary organisation and leader worship became central tools.

This phase matters because it links private fear to mass politics. It shows how ordinary people, elites, veterans, police, newspapers and business interests could enable authoritarian rule. Interwar fiction uses this setting for spies, journalists, refugees, compromised officials and families watching public life turn dangerous.

Related people for Rise of Fascism

Adolf Hitler1889–1945 Anni Albers1899–1994 Benito Mussolini1883–1945 Edward VIII1894–1972 Josef Albers1888–1976 Joseph Stalin1878–1953 Louisa Pesel1870–1947 Wallis Simpson1896–1986

Series

Series about Rise of Fascism (1 series)

Night Soldiers in Order

by Alan Furst 15 books 2.5(75)

The Night Soldiers cycle comprises fifteen loosely connected historical espionage novels set across Europe from 1934 into the Second World War. Beginning with the rise of fascism and Stalinism, the books move through the Spanish Civil War, the diplomatic crises of the late 1930s, the invasions of Poland…

Books

13 Best Novels About the Rise of Fascism