Persian Business Owner (Jun Qin)

            A great leader has the capability to propel a country into an era of wealth and success. An ambitious and powerful leader generates far greater progress and benefits a country far more than a coalition government, which often results from democracy. Take for example, our progress under Rezā Shāh. Due to his commitment towards his country, the Iranian empire has industrialized and modernized at an astonishing rate. Iran has developed large-scale industries, modernized our infrastructure, and worked to develop a national public educational system. Compare this to the Weimar Republic; a nation plagued by depression and oppression by other nations. The progress in our nation could have never been achieved by a group of bickering politicians quarreling over the most insignificant differences in ideology. A strong leader would not have allowed for their nation to be in such a situation.

            Many view the rise of fascism as the bane of European nations. I propose that nations embrace authoritarian government. Why reject something that has proven to be so successful in the past? Hitler’s totalitarian government has managed to revive Germany’s economy and reestablish itself as an industrial power. The rejection of change is illogical. Change has done wonders for those in my country. If not for change, I would not have found myself in such a comfortable position. I am thankful for Rezā Shāh, for without him, our country would have remained a primitive country. 

The Right Honorable Sir Winston Churchill (Robert Durant)

The rapid rise of extremism must be stopped.  If these western European extremists become too powerful we will not be able to control their power and prevent them from spreading their ideas to England.  I do believe that these men gaining power are very dangerous and must be halted.  The nearest threat is the Italian Benito Mussolini.  This rise of Extremism is caused by the large amount of pro fascist propaganda.  the leader are tricking their citizens into following them.  We must educate the citizens at threat and combat these leaders in their attempts to spread their ideals to foreign nations.

Franklin D Roosevelt (Garrett Steinberg)

Extremism is currently a high topic of discussion in Europe and Russia right now. Many leaders are turning towards a more communist approach to government and hating the ideologies of specific races and peoples. Many countries reside in a state of great depression including our own which is why I figure we focus much larger interests and resources on our own domestic affairs and avoid any foreign conflict that may arise from growing extremism. Instead of involving our great race of Americans with the outside conflict of the world we should implicate a good neighbor policy to withdrawal our powers from foreign countries and decrease American influence. It is not our duty to involve ourselves or stay cautious to the rise of fascism or extremism. Instead I argue we rapidly fix on our economy and push for more production.

Dwight Eisenhower (Amy Kulm)

I am disgusted to hear about the rising extremism in Western Europe and Russia. People should not be hated on and seen as less than human just because of the religion they follow. What's even more horrifying is that citizens of these nations are welcoming these fascist rulers with open arms. I know they crave stability after what happened in World War I but at what cost? In America we have a stable government yet you do not see us with a fascist leader and us too took part in World War I. We have a government that is fair and where democracy rules. Russia and Western Europe should try to follow in our footsteps to create a better government for themselves. I fear they will not and will continue to have blind faith in their fascist rulers.
I am realizing that the only way to get this fascist dictators out of power such as Stalin, Mussolini, and Hitler may be through war. I do hope that it will not come to that
If war is the only way to solve this conflict then war it must be

Young Austrian Woman (Sam Loomis)

Many times I have heard of Germany and what is happening there. Everyone says that the lives of the population are great. My parents spoke of good money, abundant food, and a better life over in Germany. Here in Austria we struggle. Inflation and interest rates have gone up. People want jobs but there simply aren't any to get. Kids my age in their teens beg for food in the streets. One third of the population is jobless!

Luckily both my parents are working, so this means food on the table each night. But even we don't know how long this will last. We have heard that Hitler is coming to his original home here in Austria. They said that a vote for Hitler is a vote for better lives, food, and money. So of course we welcomed him in with open arms. I myself dressed in my most beautiful dress. My parents dressed up as well. We went down to celebrate the newcomer with the rest of our town as he paraded through and on to the next. It was an exciting occasion. 

Within the next month stories of Hitler changed from a prospering economy to a militant dictator taking our own people over. I don't know if these are rumors, but they are all so gruesome and the only thing I can do is start to believe them. Hitler is bringing death, not perfection. I don't know what my family's next plan is. I sure don't want to leave this country. I can only pray to God for a clean and quick resolution.

George Marshall (Isaac Pontarelli)

I believe that it is crucial to the governments of the world that this infectious rise in extremism that has made its home in Russia and western Europe be halted. After the Great War (World War One) America, and most other nations to which the rise of extremist and fascist beliefs is a concern, are in no way eager to plunge there country into the bowels of yet another global conflict. Thus this movement must be stopped before it gains critical mass. Already Adolph Hitler, the new leader of Germany, and member of the Third Reich party has begun his expansion. As of October 10 1938, the Sudetenland has been annexed to Germany, with a promise from Hitler to the prime minister of Britain that he will cease his expansion after the Sudetenland. I have little faith in Hitler, and believe that he will break that promise the first chance he sees to acquire new territory, and expand his empire. All this serves to fuel Hitlers image among his subjects, and subsequently his beliefs become more popular. This also provides fuel for Russia, seeing the glorification of the ideals in Europe. I believe that swift and efficient action must be taken against Hitler, by a combination of nations working together. This must occur before Hitlers empire reaches the aforementioned critical mass, and causes a war of greater magnetite then we have ever seen.

Francisco Franco (Tessa Darcy)

     Many view extremism as negative and simply unethical. What these individuals do not know is that the practice and belief of extremism is only essential in order to achieve complete security and stability within a nation. I Francisco Franco, am currently the dictator of Spain and through the use of extremism I am finding success. The people of my country had previously faced war and struggle, which caused them to pursue change. Extremism was this change for them, something new to provide them with safety and hope that their lives would improve under a new belief after their current political belief did not support them as they wished. Currently small groups of people across Western Europe and Russia are attempting to preserve extremism/fascism. This is occurring because these people are in need of something new to depend on through their struggle. For example those currently in Nazi Germany recently suffered through the depression. With no hope and facing extreme hunger and poverty, Adolf Hitler, a great man whom I admire, was able to utilize extremism to recuperate the muddled lives of these individuals. When society wrongs people, they will seek change. 
     The only thing that should be done about the rise of extremism is that it should further be enforced and more should support it. This is because, I am dictating under the use of it and believe that I have kept my people safe and secure. I have had to diminish several freedoms of my people such as limiting the rights of women and make my secret police spy on and enforce laws upon all. Yet I only do these things in order to provide my people with the uttermost security. I mean in the end would one rather have freedom yet no protection, or absolute protection yet little freedom?  Without the belief of extremism, I would not have gained accomplishments. For example I had success in the Spanish Civil War utilizing my skillful military and assistance from Nazi Germany of course, in order to protect my people.
     Through the rise of extremism, those who seek it will surely find the security they acquire; there is proof of this due to Adolf Hitler’s success and my success these past few years. We have protected those who simply deserve it and have tried to rid of those who do not. Hitler has banned the Jews, and I have banned those who speak the Catalan and Basque languages. We only have done these things in order to provide the most absolute stability to those under us who truly deserve it. Overall, extremist uprisings are probably one of the only routes for people to find needed assurance and defense within society. The belief of extremism should only prosper for the betterment of all. 

Italian Peasant Woman(Dan Hasan)

September 3rd, 1927(During the Dictatorship of Benito Mussolini)
Life for me is not easy. I am just a poor Italian peasant women living in a world of Dictators and extremism. My husband works like a dog to support our family, but it is to no avail. His wages are cut in half by the government and Benito Mussolini. Il Duce, as we call him, the dictator of Italy. He controls almost every aspect of our lives. Whether it be religion, leisure, and even are day to day social interactions. As painful as it is to say extremism in necessary. In places such as Italy there was no balance before men such as Il Duce came here. We need a strong authoritarian government to rule us. It is not all bad. The people now have more pride i their country. Yes we are sacrificing a lot of our freedom, but in the end in I value security and stability more than freedom.    

Neville Chamberlain (Samantha Licciardi)

Extremism is just something we may not be able to avoid. An excellent example of an extremist is Adolf Hitler. Hitler is proving himself to be a very powerful leader. He, of course, is very much so an extremist. He is forcing extremism to rise much faster than I could've predicted. After the huge loss in money that was forced upon Germany it pushed them into a huge depression. Germany is falling apart and it is extremely clear that a change is necessary. This is why extremism is rising. Its a change, something new and different. People are willing to give anything a try to fix the depression they are in. The reason why Hitler and his ideals of extremism are rising is because the defeat of World War I and the terrible debt Germany is facing forces the people of Germany to try any method to improve the depression. The desperate people of Germany are willing to give Hitler's power a chance to help their country recover. With the power Hitler is displaying, it may be hard to conquer him or shut down his rising power. I believe the only act we can take is to appease Hitler and his power hungary rise to power. Eventually, after Hitler reaches power and since we have appeased him throughout his rise, he will not see us as a threat. Therefore, we will eventually be able to control Hitler and ultimately have some of the power he is quickly gaining now. That, I believe, is the only thing we could do in a dangerous situation with the rise of extremism.

London Working Woman (Katie Hollingsworth)

Life has not been easy for me and my family these past few months. My husband is away at war, drafted by the government, and I am required to stay here and work, as well as take care of my family and home. Life in the factories is not easy either. We receive a very small percentage of the commissions through sales, even though it is us doing all of the dirty work. It is difficult for me to manage my time between my home and my work. I need to work, in order to keep our family afloat while my husband is gone, however, I need to make money so that he knows he can count on us to take care of ourselves. There is always fear that we will die from bombs dropping down onto London. There is fear that we will not have enough food for dinner each night. There is fear that my husband will never come home. We all sleep with our senses on high alerts because unfortunately, we are in a war zone. Extremism is not right and just way of controlling the world. The enemy is enforcing ways of living that are inhumane and bring fear into peoples' lives. More than a healthy amount. I believe that extremism is becoming a growing problem because certain dictators are just realizing the amount of power and influence that they do in fact have and they are abusing it beyond their legal, moral and human limits. The dictator, Hitler, who is currently one abusing his power, is gaining followers for the wrong reasons. He is corrupted and unwilling to understand that mankind was based on the beliefs that we all had the freedom to think, hope and pray whatever we believed. That was the one thing that could not be controlled. Hitler is trying to control that. We need to hope and pray that the work that we are doing at home will help to bring down Adolf Hitler and is wicked soul, in order to bring peace and harmony back into the world and relieve fear from so many of our heavily burdened shoulders.

Charles De Gaulle (RJ Mathieu)

   Pre 1945 After France's Initial Defeat  
           The talk of change is starting to make me sick. Yes, yes, change is necessary and improves life for others... But to change France and take away its title as one of the world's prominent superpowers? How dégoutant! Have they forgotten our past, our extravagant, undeniable past? Sickening to say the least. The arrogance to deny us what we have fought, killed, and died for. The talk of "extremism..." nonsense! Change is needed but not in great quantities. Ask anyone! Everyone is happy and healthy. Why denounce France as a minor country? That is an injustice one that will be denied and destroyed, through the puddles of ink or those of blood. Oh yes... the politics. Well I say leave those to the blood suckers and the prestige of France to us soldiers. The prime minister and government can polish the details. The "Allies" say we are weak. It was one period of weakness. We are France. The noble, incorrigible France. The land of the free fighters, the land of prosperity. Now we are weak. Soon we will be strong. We are France. We are eternal.

Benito Mussolini (Katie Allen)

I am all for an extremist movement. I, Benito Mussolini, am starting the movement myself because of the examples set by other European countries. I, as the leader of Italy, wanted to follow in these other countries steps. It seems as if these movements were successful, and gives leaders more power. I was inspired mostly by the Nazi group in Germany. I am beginning to use fascism, which I started on my own. Fascism allowed me to create stronger nationalist beliefs throughout the country. Through my example, the citizens of my country will accept what I am trying to do. So far this is working and the path to becoming an extremist country is working. I am starting to glorify again our strong military through militarism, which pleases many although it was against the Treaty of Versailles. Extremism is the best thing for our world right now and should begin to be accepted by other countries, especially after they see how much of a success Italy is afterwards. As a leader, extremism is helping me bring order to my country. Germany's push for Italy to use extremism was forced, but now is accepted by myself. Becoming the dictator or Italy is a great thing, I am a great leader and only want the best for my country. I am using my power for the benefit of Italy. The people love me so far, and with my skills are listening to extremism. I hope to fix Italy's economy, as it is failing as well as many other countries economies as well. The economy was the main cause that motivated countries to begin extremism. Overall, extremism is now being accepted by Italy and forever will be as long as I am in power. The ideas the extremism although carried out through violence, are effective. Italy and other Western European countries needed a change after WWI, and extremism gives that to them.

Joseph Stalin (Hayden Margolis)

Extremism, the key to holding power, and securing safety. I myself utilize this skill, in order ensure the safety of my people, and keep communism alive. Extremism has been occurring often recently in Europe because of strong men like myself taking rule. I know my beliefs are right, and anyone who dares to cross me will be taken down. I have establish secret police systems, and spies that take out any man who dares cross speak badly of communism. This may be seen as extreme, however it is necessary to ensure the safety,and equality of my people. This is how I use extremism, I hold my beliefs highly,  and I will be respected. Extremism can be good and should be encouraged if people believe in communism, however I am certain it can be bad. If some leader has extremism values and ideals of democracy, they should be removed. Regarding my uses of extremism, it should be encouraged, and loved.

Adolf Hitler (Emma Schambers)

Change is vital in this world. This world simply cannot remain the same. Change is inevitable and will happen no matter what. But, how do we make change effective? We use extremism. There is no better way of exhibiting change. The rise of growing extremism in much of Western Europe and Russia is extremely necessary. Extremism should be encouraged. Extremism is something that should somewhat be glorified. Extremism is what society needs to advance and improve. For example, Jews are people we simply do not need in this world. Why? Jews are barbaric and inhumane. With my authority, I will try my best to get rid of the Jews in order to make Germany a better place to live for all citizens. Adding on to this, building up the military of Germany will make people appreciate the military and the good effect it has on this country. Militarism is something all of our citizens should value. We must place strict rules on citizens to keep this country organized and intact. Without my dictatorship, I believe that this country would fall apart. I apply extremism to create the changes we need to prosper as a whole. Without extremism, Germany would not advance. In fact, I strongly believe that without extremism, our country would regress. This would bring Germany to a weak state and that is not what we need. We need extremism to make our country the strongest in the world. With that, we will gain extreme power and this would be better for everyone. Extremism is absolutely necessary to progress and improve in this world.

Adolf Hitler (Jessie Donegan)

I believe the term "extremism" is often misinterpreted.  What some may view as extreme, should really be viewed as necessary.  I have recently been promoted from mere Chancellor to official dictator of Germany.  Anti-extremists will soon come to realize the righteousness of my method of leadership.  During my years in prison, so awarded to me after my display of leadership and attempted reform, I wrote Mein Kampf.  The story of my struggle.  I may be a Dictator.  But I am not lacking in compassion.  I don't even eat meat out of respect for animals.  My writings in Mein Kampf about Jews are far from in-compassionate.  They are merely blunt, yet accurate.  I don't eat meat, I respect the innocent.  However, Jews are inhuman.  They are far from innocent.  Worse than inhuman.  They would be the destruction of our society should we allow them to continue on as they are.  It is my duty as head of Germany to control the Jews.  This is the reason I am a so-called "extremist".  I demand absolute power so as to ensure absolute security for my country.  There is a reason for the mantra "Heil HItler."  There is a reason I must be in full power.  I am a common thread to unite Germany.  People united under one leader remain loyal and contributive to the same causes.  One of our causes must be to either expunge or contain all the Jews in Germany.  Under the Third Reich, I have put in place public works programs so as to improve our dwindling economy.  I am fulfilling one of my duties as Dictator, which is to keep my people employed and healthy. I have remilitarized in defiance of the Treaty of Versailles.  Militarism is often viewed as extreme.  However, it was about time the despicable Treaty was defied.  It did nothing but unfairly punish and abuse Germany.  It is important for  a country to have strong military influence. It is necessary to teach the coming generations of boys to support and fight in the military.  Both for purposes of defense and offense.  The only way for Germany to recover might be to simply take control back.  For which we need military force.  This is the reason for my Gestapo.  The Gestapo are a group of protectors.  They use force to ensure the security of Germany as a whole over individual people.  They are a glue that is keeping our country together.  In short, said "extremism" is rising.  I am fueling it.  Many support it.  And the methods and philosophies of extremism will not only save Germany, but also earn it back the ranking of powerhouse.  Perhaps even the powerhouse.  

Jewish Refugee (Vikky Iannotti)

      Today is January 22, 1938. The cold weather symbolizes the bitter feelings in the air. Every single day, a million thoughts run through my head. Germany, why must I live like this? I wish there was a response to this question, but there simply is not. I am a Jew. I was born and Jew. I will die a Jew. My religion is the sole reason why I believe everything will be better. Every night I pray for hours, wishing that I could escape this torturous hell. One day, maybe my prayers will be answered. My family, including my husband and two daughters, have made the decision to flee Germany. Our conquest will be long and dangerous, but we are willing to take the risk. This decision was abrupt, yet necessary. As we pondered the thought of leaving, my husband and I discussed many reasons to justify our instincts. Extremism has risen throughout the course of the past few years. Therefore, Germany has changed. It appears that the goal of the government is to increase nationalism through the use of extremism. However, it has repelled nearly all of the Jewish citizens living in Germany. The cause of extremism is quite simply, in fact. I believe that Western Europe, especially Germany, is trying to redeem their losses after the Great War. These new Fascism ideologies, in hopes of solve this age of depression, display the ignorance of the government. Yes, I would love to be protected, controlled, and secured. Yes, all Jews and Germans would love to be safe. However, what is the outcome of fascism? To me it is fear and restriction of basic rights. Take into account the Nazis, that formed in the 1930s under Hitler. Their hatred toward Jews has killed hundreds of thousands of people so far. Think about the future.These Jews are my people; my brothers and sisters. I will not stand for this any longer. One may ask, what can be done? This answer is not simple. I believe that the Jewish people need to rely on faith and faith only. Our actions and words will be immediately shot down by the Nazi rifles. Faith is all we have. Faith is all we need. Faith is all we trust.

Stalin (Grace Fitch)

        The path to a better life will only come with great actions. Yes, we could all have a tea party every once and a while, but what will that do! It's too conservative! Change will only come if there are those willing to go to do the extremes for their cause. Why, The Soviet Union would not be were it is today without it's extreme ways of attacking issues. As ruler, I was able to build large factories, vary the Soviet's industrial range, give education to the youth, and much more; I would not have been able to do this without first getting rid of the existing economy and putting in a new one. People might say that removing the existing economical methods was extreme. I say that those extreme actions allowed me to create a striving unity of my people. Everyday I look into the eyes of children and see their pride to be apart of my country, I see that they are willing to fight for the Soviet Union. Such honor and pride takes hard work but with extremism, we were able to get there.
         Extremism is growing because it is what is right. People need change. They need a ruler who is willing to take an extreme step to create the unity and peace they so desire. They need people like me. People who will give them what they want and give it to them with a just hand. But a hand like that needs to be supplied in order to give them something, and it will not get what is needed through compromise. An extreme approach will be awarded, and will allow those in charge to be supplied with they need in order to give the people want they want. I believe that extremism is growing because it needs to. There is no other way to give the people what they desire, therefore extremism rose.
         Extremism should be supported as a religion. Those of extremist notions should be rewarded for their fight for their country. I believe that extremist should be encouraged and taught in all schools because their is no better way to a bright future than extremism.

Benito Mussolini (Kourtney Clements)

Western Europe and Russia have had many people getting involved in extremism lately, and I am one of the leaders. In Italy, my homeland, I have essentially begun an extremist movement. I strongly disagree with how the Italian government is run, and my extreme political views were taken seriously when I was elected to be Italy's prime minister. I eventually became a dictator in Italy who spread fascist standpoints on all citizens. This extremist movement is happening due to the tension and economic failures that have been occurring all over the world, and especially in Western Europe and Russia. Italy was becoming weaker and falling apart due to economic reasons. Some of our soldiers weren't able to get jobs, taxes increased, and peasants were gaining lots of land. My goal as a leader was to promote an ordered nation, but at the same time a very violent nation. This would help create order in the once chaotic Italy. The people became more loyal, and they trusted in me even when they didn't know what I was doing. My fascist ways glorified the military, and glorified the nation. Overall, I believe that extremism has a positive effect on the Western European nations, and nothing should be done about it. The state controlling the economy has improved it, and our enforcement has kept people out of trouble. We plan to continue the spread of this ideology to everyone and focus on the promotion of it in every way possible through the media.

Eleanor Roosevelt (Opishinski)

Extremism is occurring in Western Europe and Russia, because as the citizens of countries are being oppressed and their rights violated, they are forced to take more desperate measures. Some may say that these acts are valiant displays of Nationalism, however, in the event that these individual groups are a danger to the public, they pose an undeniable threat. Extremists also find strength in the aftermath of WWI, playing on others fears to gain support for their causes. Focusing on Russia, Extremists are able to rise to power and gain support due to the lack of stability that has plagued Russia since the start of the revolts in WWI. Germany also has bred Extremists due to similar causes. In the humiliation and debt they suffered in these Post-War years, it is no surprise that there has been a major spike in Extremists who support those who favour major change. I do not believe that it is our job to interfere with these affairs on a political scale. I, however, believe that we need to help the people in these countries who's rights have been snatched from them by setting an example in our country for the rest of the world to see. We must remain strong and continue to support human rights, and let the rest of the world see this example and follow it.

WWII Unit Prompt #1 4/28/2014

Comment on the rise of growing extremism in much of Western Europe and Russia.  In your view, why is it happening and what, if anything, should be done about it?