The Anatomy of Fascism [Paperback]

Whatisfascism? By focusing on the concrete: what the fascists did, rather than what they said, the esteemed historian Robert O. Paxton answers this question.

From the first violent uniformed bands beating up “enemies of the state,” through Mussolini’s rise to power, to Germany’s fascist radicalization in World War II, Paxton shows clearly why fascists came to power in some countries and not others, and explores whether fascism could exist outside the early-twentieth-century European setting in which it emerged.

A deeply intelligent and very readable book. . . . Historical analysis at its best. –The Economist

The Anatomy of Fascismwill have a lasting impact on our understanding of modern European history, just as Paxton’s classicVichy Franceredefined our vision of World War II. Based on a lifetime of research, this compelling and important book transforms our knowledge of fascism–“the major political innovation of the twentieth century, and the source of much of its pain.”

Preface

Chapter 1 Introduction
The Invention of Fascism
Images of Fascism
Strategies
Where Do We Go from Here?

Chapter 2 Creating Fascist Movements
The Immediate Background
Intellectual, Cultural, and Emotional Roots
Long-Term Preconditions
Precursors
Recruitment
Understanding Fascism by Its Origins

Chapter 3 Taking Root
Successful Fascisms
—(1) The Po Valley, Italy, 1920–22
—(2) Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, 1928–33
An Unsuccessful Fascism: France, 1924–40
Some Other Unsuccessful Fascisms
Comparisons and Conclusions

Chapter 4 Getting Power
Mussolini and the “March on Rome”
Hitler and the &#lc