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Course-pacs Lesson 20-3C The rise of ultranationalism © The Critical Thinking Consortium 2010

Social 20 Name _________________ SB3C Date __________________

THE RISE OF ULTRANATIONALISM

Enduring understanding Understand that a number of factors contribute to the rise of ultranationalism to varying degrees.

EXPLORING THE RISE OF ULTRANATIONALISM

I. Understand factors contributing to ultranationalism There are several factors that may contribute to the rise of ultranationalism. Explore some of these factors through the provided pages. As you explore, be prepared to consider how significantly each factor contributes to the rise of ultranationalism.

a. Political crises Summarize how political (and other) crises could be a factor that contributes to the rise of ultranationalism.

b. Charisma The term charisma describes when a person possesses unique personal qualities that inspire the devotion of others or allow the person significant influence or authority over people. Watch the video provided (or at least the first 3 to 4 minutes), then brainstorm the characteristics of charismatic leadership.

Given the characteristics you listed above and the ideas you gained from the sources, summarize how you think charisma might contribute to the rise of ultranationalism.

Characteristics of charismatic leadership

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c. Indoctrination Indoctrination is purposeful instruction that is often aimed only to support one view / perspective and/or one set of values / beliefs. Educational programming is often the method for indoctrinating youth; the revision of textbooks to promote a desired set of values is a common practice used to indoctrinate youth. Explore some of the sources provided to learn about indoctrination in Nazi Germany, Fascist Japan and the Stalinist USSR. Make brief notes on each, then answer the question below.

Indoctrination in Nazi Germany

Indoctrination in Fascist Japan

Indoctrination in the Stalinist USSR

Having learned a little about how indoctrination has been used in the past, summarize how you think it might contribute to the rise of ultranationalism.

d. Suspension of rights The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms ensures that all Canadians are treated fairly and that the rights and responsibilities we have as citizens are maintained by law. Review the Charter through the link provided on the screen to gain an understanding of our rights as citizens in a free, democratic nation. Now that you have a sense of the rights that are protected for citizens, explore the ideas presented and discuss how they are suspensions of peoples' rights.

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e. Censorship

In 2002, the Durham Board of Education in Ontario received a number of complaints about reading Harry Potter books in classrooms. Parents felt that wizardry was inappropriate subject matter and that the books promoted a nature-based religion called Wicca that is often associated with witchcraft. Do you think that students should be protected from certain ideas? From some images? What can happen if people are exposed to controversial materials?

Should governments be able to decide what to ban / censor? Should school boards? Should parents? Why?

How might this suspension of rights lead to the rise of ultranationalism?

f. Controlled democratic participation Consider the following situations, then discuss how they might be suspensions of peoples' rights.

In the communist USSR, people were allowed to vote in elections, but there was only one political party on the ballot: the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

Support for the National Social German Worker's Party (Nazi party) grew exponentially in Germany, especially once other political parties were dissolved or outlawed.

Summarize how suspensions of rights like these might lead to the rise of ultranationalism.

g. Propaganda Propaganda is the art of persuasion. It is the systematic effort to spread opinions or beliefs, often by distortion or deception. The information or viewpoints may not present two sides or multiple perspectives on a topic or issue. Propaganda appeals to emotion rather than reason, and may not examine evidence or may present false or unsupported statements not based upon factual evidence. The purpose of propaganda is to persuade the reader / viewer / listener to buy into something, to influence their behaviour.

We must remember that in time of war what is said on the enemy’s side of the front is always

propaganda, and what is said on our side of the front is truth and righteousness, the cause of

humanity and a crusade for peace. — Walter Lippmann

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In times of war, or during build-up for war, messages of extremities and hate, combined with emotions of honour and righteousness interplay to provide powerful propaganda for a cause. Dictators often use propaganda to blame (scapegoat) their enemies or to direct popular discontent away from themselves. Propaganda can serve to rally people behind a cause, but often at the cost of exaggerating, misrepresenting, or even lying about the issues to gain that support. While the issue of propaganda often is discussed in the context of militarism, war and warmongering, it is around us in all aspects of life. What are some everyday examples of propaganda?

To further extend your understanding about propaganda and its techniques, explore one or more of the provided sources and complete the task below.

Given what you have learned about propaganda, summarize how you think it might contribute to the rise of ultranationalism.

h. Economic crises When people struggle, they are more likely to cry for change. A poor economic climate sparks these cries since people are so immediately impacted by it; income decreases or jobs are lost altogether. Prices may soar, causing basic food and supplies to become too expensive for the common person to purchase. During hardships like these, people become desperate for change, even to the point of accepting what they would not accept before: dictatorial leadership that promises to drastically improve their circumstances.

To learn more about how economic crises may lead to ultranationalism, read about both of the following topics, using one or more of the sources provided. Using the spaces provided on the next page, take brief notes on each topic as you explore them.

The first casualty when war comes is truth. — U.S. Senator Hiram Johnson, 1917

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Given what you have learned about economic crises, summarize how you think they might contribute to the rise of ultranationalism.

The Great Depression

Impacts of the Great Depression on Germany

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Compare three case studies Now that you have explored the factors of ultranationalism, examine the following case studies as examples where ultranationalism occurred. As you explore, begin to consider which factors contributed most to the rise of ultranationalism in each nation. Once you have explored all three case studies, determine the similarities and differences between the paths that the Soviet Union, Japan and Germany took in the years between World War I and World War II. Complete the triangle chart on the next page to record your ideas.

Differences

Differences Differences

Similarities

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Learn about Japan and Emperor Hirohito Explore some or all of the following sources. While reading or watching, record important points about Japanese ultranationalism, especially the ways Hirohito's power went unchecked by his people. What was his role in the years leading up to World War II? How was he able to be so powerful?

Learn about the USSR and Joseph Stalin Explore some or all of the following sources. While reading or watching, record important points about Soviet ultranationalism, especially the ways Stalin's power went unchecked by his people. What was his role in the years leading up to World War II? What techniques did he use to keep himself in power?

Summarize the ideas you learned about Hirohito and ultranationalism in Japan.

Identify the factors that may have contributed to the rise of ultranationalism in Japan. Provide evidence to support each factor you identify.

Differences

Summarize the ideas you learned about the Joseph Stalin and ultranationalism in the USSR.

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Learn about Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler Explore some or all of the following sources. While reading or watching, record important points about Nazi ultranationalism, especially the techniques Hitler used to achieve such power in Germany. What were Hitler's solutions to the problems Germany faced after World War I? Can you identify a shift from nationalism to ultranationalism in Germany?

Summarize the ideas you just learned about Hitler and ultranationalism in Nazi Germany.

Identify the factors that may have contributed to the rise of ultranationalism in Nazi Germany. Provide evidence to support each factor you identify.

Identify the factors that may have contributed to the rise of ultranationalism in the Soviet Union. Provide evidence to support each factor you identify.

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Complete the triangle organizer Now that you have finished learning about each case study, compare the three using the triangle organizer on page 7 of this student booklet. While noting both the similarities and differences in the case studies, be sure to compare the factors involved in each situation. Were all involved factors different or do some factors contribute more significantly to the rise of ultranationalism?

Consider Canadian examples You have just learned about three very famous examples of ultranationalism. All the places you have looked at must seem very far away, removed from your sphere of influence. Does that mean then that ultranationalism does not happen in places like Canada? Learn about each of the events presented below, then consider what factors might be at play that contribute to the rise of ultranationalism. Finally, decide if each event could be considered ultranationalistic or not, and give supportive reasoning and evidence for your decisions.

Conscription Consult several of the provided sources to learn about one of the conscription crises in Canada, then respond to the questions below.

Summarize the ideas you just learned about the conscription crisis in Canada.

Identify any of the factors of ultranationalism that might be at play in this event. Provide evidence to support each factor you identify.

Given the factors you identified, consider whether Canada really did commit an ultranationalistic act in this situation. Explain your decision.

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Japanese internment Consult several of the provided sources to learn about Japanese internment in Canada then respond to the questions below.

Summarize the ideas you just learned about Japanese internment in Canada.

Identify any of the factors of ultranationalism that might be at play in this event. Provide evidence to support each factor you identify.

Given the factors you identified, consider whether Canada really did commit an ultranationalistic act in this situation. Explain your decision.

When you have finished exploring both examples, have a class discussion about possible responses to the following question, then write your own response.

If these are examples of ultranationalism, even in very small ways, why could they occur in a place like Canada, with a democratic system in place to ensure the will of the people is always followed?

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RESPONDING TO ULTRANATIONALISM Explore responses to ultranationalism Individual countries and the international community as a whole react to ultranationalism in varied ways. Both in the past and present, no foolproof way has been found for dealing with the negative elements of the rise of ultranationalism—yet each method has yielded varying results. Explore each method, using the sources provided, to better understand the responses to ultranationalism, especially their advantages and disadvantages. As you learn about each response, complete the chart below.

Type of response

Explanation Advantages / Disadvantages

Attempt appeasement

A

D

Ask an international body for help

A

D

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Engage in war

A

D

Try peacekeeping

A

D


Social 20-1 position paper (diploma practice for writing assignment II)

Analyze the following source and complete the assignment. Insert the source when revealed or selected.

Assignment

Reminders for Writing • Organize your essay. • Proofread your essay.

Source

To what extent should we embrace the perspective(s) reflected in the source?

Write an essay in which you must:

analyze the source and demonstrate an understanding of the ideological perspective(s) reflected in the source

establish and argue a position in response to the question presented

support your position and arguments, using evidence from your knowledge and understanding of social studies.


TAKING A POSITION ON ULTRANATIONALISM

Social 20-2 position response (diploma practice for writing assignment III)

Your local newspaper asked three citizens selected at random to respond to the following question.

Citizen I

When countries like the former U.S.S.R, Nazi Germany and Fascist Japan acted in ultranationalistic ways, we responded haphazardly. It was not really an organized effort. I think that now, since we have learned many lessons from the past, we are much better equipped to deal with the rise of ultranationalism appropriately. Sure this means that someone's toes get stepped on, namely the nation acting ultranationalistically but, in the interest of preventing a third world war, I think we owe it to the global community to sit down together, perhaps through the use of an international body like the UN, to collaboratively find a way to curb the rise of ultranationalism.

Citizen II

We have to remember that within the word ultranationalism is the word nation. When we aggressively respond to ultranationalism, in whatever way we choose, we are infringing upon the rights of a nation to do what is in their best interest and we are putting both our nations' citizens at risk. It is not the right of the rest of the world to judge the actions of other nations at every turn. It is also not the responsibility of the international community to put out every spark that has the mere potential to turn to flame. If we forcefully demand a nation to stop its behaviours, we will most certainly aggravate the situation, making the effects of ultranationalism much more pronounced. I think we should avoid responding to ultranationalism whenever possible, since openly responding will just make matters worse for everyone.

Citizen III

We should never allow ultranationalism to rise. If we have learned anything from the past, it should be that leaders intent on aggressive pursuit of their nations' best interests will stop at nothing to get their way. In the past, we have been fooled; we have allowed leaders to break promises without any penalties, we have given in to demands and we have turned a blind eye to lies and deceit. For these actions, we received death and destruction in return. We need to be proactive in our response to ultranationalism by taking an aggressive stance against any actions that have the potential to foster its rise. Nations should know that they will be faced with immediate global attack if they begin the practice of ultranationalistic strategies.

Reminders for writing • Organize your response. • Proofread your response.

How should we respond to ultranationalism?

Write a response in which you must: • explore the issue of how to respond to economic inequality • analyze various points of view on the issue • explain and defend your position on the question • support your point of view using your understanding of social studies.


TAKING A POSITION ON ULTRANATIONALISM

Social 20-2 position response (diploma practice for writing assignment III)

Your local newspaper asked three citizens selected at random to respond to the following question.

Citizen I

I think it is important that we allow nation-states the freedom to meet their national interests as they see fit. When we judge their pursuits, we can only do so from our own perspective and, invariably, we misunderstand their true intentions. Nations that extend themselves outside of their state boundaries are doing so for varied and sometimes justifiable reasons. Their intent may be to reclaim land they see as rightfully theirs or to gain access to resources they desperately need. Before assuming that a nation's pursuit of interests outside its borders is illegitimate, we need to use our skills of empathy to determine if, in fact, the pursuit is justified. At that time, we can best determine what course of action to take in response, if any.

Citizen II

Nation-states that act in their own best interest at the expense of other nations should be attacked immediately. There is never a justifiable reason why one nation should be allowed to go beyond its boundaries to achieve selfish, national interests. If we allowed this kind of behaviour, ultranationalism would increase at an alarming rate and the world would descend into chaos. Look what happened when we let leaders like Hitler, Stalin and Hirohito have their way! We need to send a strong message to nations who wish to pursue their interests beyond their own boundaries that actions like these will not be allowed. Nations who act for the benefit of their own interests at the expense of others' should expect retaliatory attack.

Citizen III

We need to exercise caution when judging whether a nation's actions are justified or not, especially if their actions extend beyond their own boundaries. Throughout history, border lines have been altered through a variety of methods, such as war, agreements and trade. Nations also pursue their rights to resources, especially when these rights have not yet been officially recognized by the international community. Sometimes the nation can prove that their actions are in accordance with the national interests of the nations they infringe upon and, if this is the case, we should leave well enough alone. Usually however, this is not the case; a nation's motives are usually selfishly ultranationalistic and can only rarely be justified.

Reminders for writing • Organize your response. • Proofread your response.

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Are nation-states justified in pursuing their interests beyond their state boundaries?

Write a response in which you must • explore the issue of how to respond to economic inequality • analyze various points of view on the issue • explain and defend your position on the question • support your point of view using your understanding of social studies


TAKING A POSITION ON ULTRANATIONALISM Social 20-2 position response

(diploma practice for writing assignment III) Your local newspaper asked three citizens selected at random to respond to the following question:

Citizen I

The actions of national leaders definitely contributed to the outbreak of World War II. Promises were made and broken, rights were taken away, indoctrination and propaganda led the masses down a road of deceit. Their actions had an immediate effect on the outbreak of war. All of this occurred while other leaders sat back and either did nothing or gave in to the tantrums of the perpetrators for fears things might get worse. Their inaction contributed to war just as much as the aggressive action of their antagonists. The actions (or inactions) of leaders on both sides were definite factors leading to the outbreak of war. If the leaders on both sides had acted differently, World War II could have easily been avoided.

Citizen II

The leaders' actions (or inactions) were not factors in the outbreak of World War II. There were many other factors that influenced the war far more than things the leaders did or did not do. Leaders act in accordance with the will of the people; if not, they will be voted out of office or, in the case of a dictator, mutinied against or assassinated. These things did not happen prior to World War II; therefore, other factors were at play that made war inevitable. Revenge for deemed injustices of the past, economic crises and social or political instability were all factors that clearly laid the groundwork for war. The leaders simply picked up the pieces and used them to their advantage. World War II was not caused by leaders' actions or inactions.

Citizen III

Some leaders' actions were definitely factors that contributed to the outbreak of World War II. The leaders of the Axis powers used all the tools of ultranationalism to their full extent to ensure their nations' interests would be met. Their actions harmed both their own citizens and the citizens of other nations, and the international community could not sit idly by and let these atrocities happen. Other leaders, such as those who did not involve their countries at all or those who attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to appease the aggressive nations, were not factors in the outbreak of the war. They diminished the momentum of the Axis powers by not reacting aggressively, thus delaying war rather than contributing to its outbreak.

Reminders for Writing • Organize your response. • Proofread your response.

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Were the actions (or inactions) of national leaders factors that contributed

to the outbreak of the Second World War?

Write a response in which you must • explore the issue of how to respond to economic inequality • analyze various points of view on the issue • explain and defend your position on the question • support your point of view using your understanding of social studies

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