The First World War (WWI)

In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles officially ended World War I (WWI). The Entente powers had prevailed, and the first intercontinental war had come to a close. An international desire for peace was evident, but it seemed that the opposite effect occurred. The increase in nationalism that WWI brought with it came a change in the way governments ruled their people. Ultimately, this era saw a contraction in civil rights worldwide because of the rise of socialism and fascism. The road to fascism begins in Russia. Russia had always struggled with being slightly behind other nations from a modernization standpoint. This became an even greater issue when it tried to industrialize and modernize itself too quickly. Such a radical change created hope
French, American, British, and Swiss policies were used a guidelines for doing away with feudalism and forming a democratic state (Mazower 7). Reforms took on a social democratic ideas that focused on health, welfare, family, and social security (Mazower 9). However, these democratic reforms seemed to be counter effective; dividing the nations rather than unifying them (Mazower 19). Such weaknesses left many nations vulnerable to liberal ideas such as democratic socialism and communism, causing rights to contract. These new constitutions were rooted in the agenda of fragile, modern societies (Mazower 9). In an attempt to reflect the will of the masses, constitutions were formed around the bourgeoisie (Mazower 10).
Preceding the rise of Fascism was the Great Depression. This period of struggle proved to be too much for the welfare systems currently in place, and caused a global economic collapse that affected all aspects of life. Mass unemployment and inflation contributed to this crisis, and for the first time, the idea of Fascism did not seem so bad. Even many established nations who were normally wary of communism were apart of this trend, because they were desperate order in their economy (Findley 100). During a time of such struggle, even communism seemed appealing. After all, did it not value the needs of the
This contributed to a desire for racial health, and in order to achieve it meant violence.
Then came the most egregious accounts of restricted civil rights of all time, which took place in fascist nations. The notion of fascism began in Italy under Benito Mussolini. He attempted to make fascism appealing by challenging radical issues such as women’s rights (Findley 119). Mussolini was able to literally walk into power once conservatives realized that his ideas could help suppress social disorder (Findley 119). Once in power, Mussolini worked to get his opposition on his side by emphasizing “unity and direction” (Findley 120). Following Mussolini’s lead was Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. Before his time as Germany’s dictator, Hitler was an average man who gained momentum through his successful military career and by taking advantage of overall national dissatisfaction. Hitler was able to take over Germany using appeals such as law and order, employment, unity, semitism, and militarism. Giving the German people a plan was what they wanted, and even though the majority of the country did not agree with the Nazi’s agenda, they did want their lives to be under control