The Anatomy of Fascism

What is fascism? 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 Fascism will have a lasting impact on our understanding of modern European history, just as Paxton's classic Vichy France redefined 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."

Robert O. Paxton taught at Columbia University. His other books include Vichy France, Vichy France and the Jews (with Michael Marrus), Europe in the Twentieth Century, and French Peasant Fascism. He lives in New York City.

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 “Backstairs Conspiracy” What Did Not Happen: Election, Coup d’Etat, Solo Triumph Forming Alliances What Fascists Offered the Establishment The Prefascist Crisis Revolutions after Power: Germany and Italy Comparisons and Alternatives Chapter 5 Exercising Power The Nature of Fascist Rule: “Dual State” and Dynamic Shapelessness The Tug-of-War between Fascists and Conservatives The Tug-of-War between Leader and Party The Tug-of-War between Party and State Accommodation, Enthusiasm, Terror The Fascist “Revolution” Chapter 6 The Long Term: Radicalization or Entropy? What Drives Radicalization? Trying to Account for the Holocaust Italian Radicalization: Internal Order, Ethiopia, Salò Final Thoughts Chapter 7 Other Times, Other Places Is Fascism Still Possible? Western Europe since 1945 Post-Soviet Eastern Europe Fascism Outside Europe Chapter 8 What Is Fascism? Conflicting Interpretations Boundaries What Is Fascism? Bibliographical Essay Notes Index