Spanish | History | Political Science | Western Civilization| Psychology

History

Europe's Age of Dictators (HIS3420.90)

This course explores the ideology, structure, and legacy of the Spanish, German, and Italian dictatorial regimes of Francisco Franco, Adolf Hitler, and Benito Mussolini. We begin by reading theoretical interpretations of fascism, totalitarianism, charismatic leadership, and 20th century forms of dictatorship. The course then addresses the personalities of the dictators, the relationships among them, how they gained and exercised power, the ideologies underpinning their regimes, the role of terror, and finally the legacy each has bequeathed. Particular emphasis is placed on Generalissimo Franco whose regime combined aspects of the fascist model and more traditional forms of authoritarian rule. We examine both Franco's role in Spain's civil war and the regime's evolution until his death in 1975. Burgos was the official seat of Franco's government during the 1936-1939 civil war. Today Spain has embraced democracy and parties espousing Francoist values obtain only a tiny fraction of national votes. But nobody has shaped modern Spain more profoundly than Franco. Course texts include historical works, fiction, perhaps film, and aside from local sites of interest in Burgos we shall also visit the 12th century Monasterio de las Huelgas, which is near the University of Burgos, and where in 1937 the regime's National Council was inaugurated.   (4 credits)

Professor Geoffrey Field, Purchase College