This module explores the three extreme ideologies which took hold of parts of Europe during the interwar period – communism (especially in Russia; later, the Soviet Union), fascism (especially in Italy, and later in Spain), and Nazism (in Germany). These ideologies will be assessed in three ways. Firstly, they will be examined individually, encompassing their emergence, rise to power and assumption of total control; here, the emphasis will be on the power of ideological thinking, the extent of popular support attained by the movements, and the country-specific reasons for their success. Secondly, the ideologies will be considered in comparison with one another, including the leadership styles of Lenin, Stalin, Mussolini, Hitler and Franco, the roles played by propaganda in their rise and rule, and the ways in which they utilised, or otherwise engaged in, violence to further their aims. And thirdly, the connections between them will be discussed, especially the notion that in the countries mentioned above, and later across Europe, the struggle between extreme ideologies of left and right became the defining issue of the period.
Contact Hours: 270
Private Study Hours: 30
Total Study Hours: 300
Autumn or Spring
Main assessment methods
Gobbets Exercise (2,500 words) 35%
Essay (3,000 words) 45%
Presentation 20%
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages (https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html).
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the three main extreme ideologies which took hold of countries in Europe during the interwar period, understanding how they came to power, how they consolidated their grip on their respective polities and how they governed.
2 Demonstrate an understanding of the similarities and differences between these three movements, with particular reference to their ideological foundations, leadership styles, propaganda and social control tactics, foreign policy, and relationship with violence and civil strife.
3 Demonstrate an awareness of how these three systems related to one another, and to other European states (including the liberal democracies, such as France and Britain), and of how their foreign policies fed into major conflicts and disputes during the period 1917-1939, such as the Russian Civil War(s), the Spanish Civil War, the Abyssinian Crisis and the Second World War.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Work with a moderate level of independence to research and develop their understanding of questions and issues.
2. Demonstrate an ability to provide persuasive written and verbal presentations, including the use of a range of primary source materials and historiographical content.
4. Apply their knowledge and skills to the production of a range of different outputs, including both written and oral arguments.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
