Introduction

How can we describe and interpret interwar Italian Fascism, from a contemporary perspective? In what ways have historians’ questions about fascism changed over the last few years? This introduction will attempt to answer such question by looking at the ways in which the interpretation of fascism, in Italy, Europe and the Western World has changed in recent decades. This set of questions provides a way to reflect on how the historical interpretation of fascism can be reassessed by combining an attention to its totalitarian aspirations with a focus on the impact of Fascist measures. The volume will consider the tensions and possible interconnections between these two aspects from different perspectives, such as: the use of violence and propaganda; the role of intellectuals and scientists; the impact of the empire and war; the implementation of welfare measures and the transformations of politics, the economy, everyday life, and citizenship; and Fascism’s relationship with religion and anti-Fascism.