4.1.1 Rejections of Liberalism
Completion requirements
4.1.1 Rejections of Liberalism Introduction
© Image courtesy Distributed Learning Resources Branch
Although many economic and political systems embraced liberalism as the best way to provide a good life for all citizens, people and governments in some parts of the world felt that liberal democracy could never work effectively, no matter how much
it evolved.
In Europe, the people of Russia had lived under authoritarian rule for centuries. Peasants were poor and had few rights. Although some democratic changes were implemented early in the 20th century, the people felt changes were coming too slowly. During World War I, a revolution led to the formation of a communist state (the Russian Revolution of 1917).
In contrast, Germany was an industrial power with a democratic government. Similar to most of Europe, the country was devastated by World War I. When the world's nations gathered to end the war, the victors decided Germany was entirely to blame and, therefore, must make reparations to the remainder of Europe. This, coupled with the global economic recession of the 1930s, led the people to despair. Eventually, they supported the fascist leader Adolf Hitler who promised them hope-and relief from payment of the reparations.
In Europe, the people of Russia had lived under authoritarian rule for centuries. Peasants were poor and had few rights. Although some democratic changes were implemented early in the 20th century, the people felt changes were coming too slowly. During World War I, a revolution led to the formation of a communist state (the Russian Revolution of 1917).
In contrast, Germany was an industrial power with a democratic government. Similar to most of Europe, the country was devastated by World War I. When the world's nations gathered to end the war, the victors decided Germany was entirely to blame and, therefore, must make reparations to the remainder of Europe. This, coupled with the global economic recession of the 1930s, led the people to despair. Eventually, they supported the fascist leader Adolf Hitler who promised them hope-and relief from payment of the reparations.
The ideologies of both the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany developed because the people believed the current way of doing things was hindering their possibilities of "the good life". They did not see any potential for a better life in a liberal democracy. The fundamental beliefs and values of the two ideologies were very different, but in both countries, a totalitarian regime resulted.
The ideologies of the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany were were very different, yet they were both founded on the discontent of citizens and their leaders.
©ADLC
Through a study of primary sources, including documents, speeches, photos, and videos, you will explore why and how ideologies rejected liberalism.
Consider the issue question:
Consider the issue question:
How did Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia reject liberalism?
© ADLC