Fascism: A Warning

The chapter explores the rise of fascist movements across Europe in the aftermath of World War I, tracing the political and social conditions that gave rise to figures like Benito Mussolini, Adolf Hitler, and Sir Oswald Mosley. In Hungary, after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Arrow Cross movement gained prominence, driven by promises of reclaiming lost territory and reviving national pride. Hungary joined the Axis, and the Arrow Cross eventually facilitated the Nazis' brutal occupation, during which thousands of Hungarian Jews were killed or deported.

The chapter discusses the broader appeal of fascism, fueled by economic instability, nationalism, and fear of communism. The societal collapse following World War I left many veterans and citizens disillusioned with their governments, paving the way for fascist leaders to offer authoritarian solutions. Mussolini’s early success inspired other aspiring fascists, such as Mosley in Britain, who founded the British Union of Fascists (BUF), adopting the Roman salute and black shirts. Although Mosley drew large crowds, his influence waned as the horrors of Hitler’s aggression became undeniable.

Fascism also found sympathy in places like Romania, Portugal, and even India, where Hindu nationalists admired Germany's revival of “Aryan culture.