Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
1. What is fascism? Describe its key features. What were the factors that enabled growth of fascism post World War-I? (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
If by totalitarianism one means a regime that subordinates every act of the individual to the state and to its ideology, then both Nazism and Stalinism were true totalitarian regimes
Key Demand of the question:
To write about fascism, its features and reasons for its rise.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining fascism.
Body:
First, write about the features of fascism – include extreme nationalism, militarism, authoritarianism, totalitarianism, a cult of personality around the leader, suppression of dissent, and anti-communism etc.
Next, write about the factors that aided the rise of fascism – economic depression, nationalism, weak democratic institutions, propaganda and mass media, failure of traditional political parties, and the weakness of international institutions like the League of Nations etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
