The Story of Fascism: Rick Steves’ documentary helps us learn from the painful lessons of the 20th century

from rick steves A thought-provoking documentary reconsiders the rise of fascism in Europe, and how charismatic figures like Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler created a better future for failed and economically depressed countries – a future in which the world was taken back. It reminds us of how he came to power by promising to create. The mythical glory of the past. Once in power, these fascist leaders replaced democracy with a cult of personality, steadily eroding democratic norms and truths, escalating violence, and finding scapegoats in their victims. This has been facilitated by the spread of conspiracy theories and propaganda through modern media. They will lead their countries into war and ultimately destroy them, but not until they develop strategies for other charismatic dictators to seduce voters with simplistic solutions to complex problems.

Steves released the documentary, which originally aired on television, on YouTube in the hope that 21st century citizens can “learn from the harsh lessons of 20th century Europe.” The text accompanying his documentary reads:

In this hour-long special, Rick travels back a century to learn how fascism rose in Europe and fell, engulfing millions of people. From its roots as an uprising of angry people in the aftermath of World War I, to the rise of charismatic leaders who manipulated that anger, to the totalitarian society they built, to the brutal methods they used. Trace the history of fascism. They enforce their ideology. We will see the horrific consequences of genocide and all-out war. And we will be inspired by the stories of those who resisted. Along the way, the family will visit poignant sites of fascism across Europe and speak with Europeans who lived during the time. Our goal is to learn from the hard lessons of 20th century Europe and recognize its ideology in the 21st century.

story of fascism (to be added to the list of free documentaries) is recommended for both students and adults. Now that World War II is fading from living memory, we are reminded that “nationalism can be directed toward evil, and how our freedoms and democracies are not indestructible…in fact, they Steves says it can be a good reminder that “we are fragile things.”

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