Reviews for Italian fascism

The average rating for Italian fascism based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2019-11-02 00:00:00 frankie eubanks A very interesting and quick read though I wish he had given more detail on particular topics. I don't think he really proved his thesis though. His contention is that fascism was inherently "conservative" or "right-wing." One major problem is that he does not properly define his terms, as such the terms become empty jars with which the reader fills in with their own preconceived notions or prejudices. He tries to demonstrate that it was conservative because the regime had the backing of several industrial firms, but he does not demonstrate why industrialists or the owners of companies are inherently conservative. Further the contention is undermined when the author himself points out that Mussolini's "conservative" base betrayed him in 1943. It seems that a more accurate thesis might be that Fascism was birthed from the left, that certain conservative elements used it to fight against Marxists and communists but did not do so for any particular ideological kinship with Fascism. If anything the "conservatives" in Italy went along to get along but ultimately when the regime became too burdensome they turned against the Fascists. Overall an interesting read but his central contention is faulty.

Review # 2 was written on 2019-03-24 00:00:00 Daniel Jacques Decent overview of the history of Fascist Italy, though at times it felt like I was reading a book treatment that someone just decided to ship. Part of me wanted more details, though I'll admit that I might not have read it if it was longer. (Disclosure: the author taught a class I took in college on this subject; I don't remember exactly how I did, but I don't believe it was well.) The book book does do an excellent job of showing what happens when conservatism and nationalism are united by an impulsive authoritarian.