The article explores America’s complex relationship with fascism, noting a pervasive sense of both awareness and ignorance about its historical implications, especially related to Nazism. The author reflects on George Mosse’s The Crisis of German Ideology, emphasizing that fascism emerged not solely from modern industrial contexts but from deeper societal anxieties within established nations grappling with their past successes. Mosse’s work sheds light on the Volkish ideologies that predated the Nazis, highlighting the contributions of lesser-known thinkers who laid the groundwork for Nazi thought.
These Volkish thinkers were often romantics who idealized nature and community while rejecting modernity and rationalism. They crafted myths that glorified a mystical German identity, which the Nazis later exploited to unify the populace against perceived enemies, especially Jews—depicted as the antithesis of the German spirit. Mosse reveals that these thinkers, though dismissed as trivial, profoundly influenced societal attitudes, fostering conditions ripe for totalitarianism.
The author underscores the importance of recognizing these historical lessons in a contemporary context, noting that while modern political landscapes may not mirror Nazi Germany’s horrors, the potential for undemocratic tendencies still exists. The piece serves as a cautionary reminder to reflect critically on the past, emphasizing the need for vigilance to prevent the rise of similar fascistic ideologies in today’s society.
