A History of Fascism, 1914-45

This is the first full history of fascism - as a force and as a phenomenon - in Europe and elsewhere between the world wars. This history encompasses all the major fascist movements, as well as other forms of authoritarian nationalism, and provides in-depth analyses of these movements, the interpretative problems they pose, and previous interpretations of them. Written by the premier historian of modern Spain and a renowned authority on fascism, it should be the ultimate resource for those who wish to comprehend fascism in its historical guise and understand its seeming resurgence today. Stanley G. Payne interprets fascism as a form of revolutionary ultranationalism - a programme for national rebirth based on a primarily vitalist philosophy, extreme elitism, mass mobilisation, the promotion of violence, and military virtues. He traces this phenomenon through the history of ideas, previous political movements and the events of World War I. Though his focus is chiefly on Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, he also gives detailed attention to the Romanian Iron Guard, Franco's Spain, Japan and proto-fascist movements around the globe. Payne examines the role of violence in fascism and explores the reasons for both the limits of fascism's appeal and the historical transcendence of the "fascist era". His inclusion of other forms of authoritarian nationalism lays a foundation for comparative analysis and leads to a broader definition of authoritarianism. In a view of widespread speculation about the return of fascism to Europe and the Afro-Asian world, this work is especially timely. However, Payne presents a powerful case for viewing fasism as a unique "epochal phenomenon". Conversely, he treats significant individual features of fascism as inherent aspects of revolutionary movements and nationalist dictatorships, with every likelihood of reappearing in new and different forms.