Living with Dictatorship: European Societies, 1918-1941

Module code: HS2362

This module will compare and examine the social history of interwar Europe, focusing upon Nazi Germany, Francoist Spain, Fascist Italy and the Stalinist Soviet Union. You’ll start by contemplating the common assumptions underpinning the four regimes, as well as the many important differences.

The emphasis throughout will be upon the everyday experiences of the populations living under these dictatorships, as you’ll be exploring such issues as: the transition from democracy to dictatorship, reasons for joining parties and paramilitary movements, popular opinion, personality cults, and economic and social change.

While conducting your own research you’ll be looking at the mechanics behind how far right ideologies functioned, as well as the evolution and devolution of these political powers during certain periods.