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"Our Struggle": What If Hitler Had Been a Communist?
- Thread starter The Red
- Start date
Chapter IV
'The youngest, aged twelve, could not conceal her disappointment, and turned away, feeling as so many of us have felt when we discover that our idols are very ordinary men and women.'
~ Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys
~ Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys
‘“Could Hitler have been a fascist had history gone a different way?” It was apparently a question Mussolini asked himself frequently at the time of his greatest adversity and whether or not this was an attempt to get into the head of the enemy or simply an idle exercise to distract away from the unpleasantness of the outside world, it is one that many historians have subsequently supported. This basis of this seemingly unlikely theory is based on Hitler’s experiences in Vienna and the pseudo-fascist ideology that he had dabbled with whilst there.
Hitler certainly appears to have identified as a futurist, despite allegedly being in contact with associates of Austrian socialist Karl Renner that he met via his friend and benefactor Franz Cizek. The basis of the future dictator’s views on the ideology appeared to be motivated by an attraction to the staunch nationalist principles and anti-elitism that futurism evoked, alongside a more mundane but common interest in technological advancements and how they could impact society.
Mussolini had always been vaguely aware of the futurist movement, with the Italian scene at its forefront it was very much part of the cultural zeitgeist, one which conveniently lent itself to the extreme right politics of the dictator’s program. Nonetheless it was a movement Mussolini had little real time for, and whilst futurist art was tolerated by the fascist regime it was never given any sort of official favour.
Futurism’s founder, Fillipo Marinetti, was an ardent supporter of Mussolini’s regime but their personal relationship was largely one-sided. Marinetti saw Mussolini as Italy’s champion if not perhaps the devout vision that was related to the Italian populace during the Duce’s reign via fascist propaganda. It appears as if Mussolini ultimately saw Marinetti as a useful idiot, instructing him to move away from futurism to more established forms of culture, relegating him to the role of propagandist for a regime that was very comfortable with indulging the institutions Marinetti despised before the poet’s eventual conscription during the Second World War. Despite the similarities in rhetoric, fascism has always trumped futurism when it comes to power.
This “classicist” basis for fascism was very much similar to the notions of fascism in German society at the time. If Gavrillo Princip had never fired his fateful shots it is certainly possible that a futurist Hitler would have emerged, yet his futurist ideals would have run rather contrary to the notions of Fichte and Nietzche even though many attempt to lazily reconcile these different trends.
The basis of Fichte’s work might have applied to the notions Hitler seemed to embrace in his youth yet even then there are questions, for example Hitler’s Bavarian dialect of German that carried an accent he would keep for the rest of his life was very much a contradiction against Fichte’s notion of German supremacy based on the supposed ‘purity’ of the German language whilst his separation of ‘noble’ and ‘ignoble’ men would have gone against the Catholic beliefs the dictator was purported to have had early on in his life.
As for Nietzche the distinction is rather less complex, the philosophy of the ‘Overman’ who would emerge from the culled herd of mankind might have been drawn from Fichte’s ‘noble’ man yet Nietzche saw nothing in the basis of nations to restrict his superior race. It is perhaps an irony that the internationalism of Nietzche’s would have been irreconcilable with the ultranationalist notions of Italian futurism and the reinforcement it had upon Hitler’s own pre-war ideals. Even if we cast aside the debate around the commitment of the young Hitler in this undoubtedly fluctuating period of ideological development, both for Europe and for the individual who would go on to shape much of the continent, there seems to be little basis for Hitler to have become the German Mussolini rather than the German Lenin.
Though we can arguably conclude that Hitler would never have become a fascist if he had held on to his futurist views, can we say with any certainty that fascism would have existed at all without the First World War?
If the slaughter in the trenches can be seen as the reason for Hitler’s abandonment of his nationalist and futurist ideals, might we not also argue that Italy would never have fallen to Mussolini if it wasn’t for the war?’
~ David Irons, Bridging the Horseshoe
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Filippo Tommaso Marinetti was barely aware of Franz, although Franz had heard a great deal about him. The poet was provocative, and alongside his entourage he had become both a notorious enfant terrible as well as a sensation in the European art community. His futurist ideas had built a large following and even many of his detractors were enthused. Stretching from England to Russia, his poetic manifesto was echoed by many in interpretations Marinetti was not always enthralled by. He was particularly disheartened by the eagerness of certain Marxists and other cancerous elements in society to attempt to subvert his movement. Nonetheless, the true talent continued to be inspired by the substance of his ideals. With an assembly of some the futurist movements greatest achievements and thinkers, he could not doubt that he had achieved much in the three years since the manifesto’s inception.
Despite Marinetti’s instinctive antagonism to those he viewed as illegally occupying Italian territory, he could not deny that the Austrian government had helped to put on a show. The Italian futurists outspoken support of the war against the Ottomans had gained them a favourable hearing from the Italian government and with tensions in Europe as they were it seemed as if the Austrians were inclined to celebrate their allies newest contributions to the art world.
Hence he now sipped champagne in the Belvedere, with nods, smiles and raised glasses wherever he seemed to float around the unveilied futurist exhibition. All of a sudden it seemed as if he were the toast of Vienna, and he increasingly felt like he wanted to be sick.
Whilst he had barely eaten or drank anything, he knew that his anguish wasn’t physical. The sight of this splendour and elitism arrayed to celebrate his movement was a double-edged sword, and even as he was toasted he couldn't but think of how many were muttering about hypocrisy under their breath.
Futurism was supposed to be a revolutionary movement, aimed at sweeping away the archaic and rotting institutions that the Hapsburgs represented perfectly. Part of him couldn’t help but feel that his own nation’s establishment was more interested in his opposition to the treacherous socialists rather than his patriotism and that the Austrians were simply rubbing his nose in it. He knew he was being paranoid, yet he winced all the same. He was thankful that his exhibition would be moving on soon, a gallery launched by the Der Sturm magazine wanted to introduce his work to Germany and he felt far more comfortable that the anti-establishment journal would be a far more appropriate venue to promote his ideals. Marinetti hoped it would be easy enough to smile and nod back until then but it was becoming rather exhausting. he needed some fresh air.
Outside the towering building various people were chatting and though some nodded to him it seemed as if he were somewhat more inconspicuous amongst these intimate evening gatherings, a blessing when he had been enduring the establishment’s faint praise all evening. Outside he couldn’t fully escape however, yet the praise had seemingly come to an end.
Two men were discussing him and it wasn’t particularly complimentary.
“I still can’t help but feel the man’s a hypocrite.”
“His theories are in ascendancy, you can’t blame them for paying attention.”
Marinetti couldn’t understand the relationship between two, the younger man’s complaining and the somewhat authoritative attitude of the elder individual might have implied a father-son relationship, yet the difference in their ages was not that great and in sneaking a glance at the relationship going on behind him there seemed to be little resemblance between either of them.
“Oh they’re paying attention but why are they praising him?”
“Because they like his movement?”
“It can’t be that simple!”
Marinetti found himself agreeing with the younger man, whilst he would never declare it in public he had feared he would be seen as something of a hypocrite by coming here on the Italian government’s request. It was a time for patriotism, even though he also agreed with the young man that the enthusiasm for his work in Vienna was little more than pandering to a friendly nation in the midst of a continent preparing for war.
This was something the older man didn’t seem to care about.
“It’s not important whether it is or not,” he scolded the younger man, “this isn’t just a visit for leisure remember, if you’re going to make a living on your art then you need to start talking to people with expendable income, and as much as you enjoy it that isn’t readily found in the cafes amongst your socialist friends!”
Marinetti had heard enough, he hadn’t bothered about the eavesdropping as such, it was actually rather refreshing to hear someone criticise him for his own internal doubts but the fact that even amongst this Hapsburg charade there were Marxists hanging around to misinterpret his work was the final straw. This entire exercise had become a fraud, he would back inside and make his excuses.
Had he waited a second longer he would have heard Adolf’s retort.
“They aren’t my friends because they’re socialists, you know that.”
And Franz’s clarification of their relationship,
“I know that I’m your friend because we disagree on a lot, I don’t care about what a man’s politics are as long as they’re willing to discuss them, hence why I’m a teacher but you’re going to end up broke if you don’t come across as an enthusiast.” Franz knew this was an exaggeration, since explaining the concepts of futurism to his friend Adolf had genuinely developed an interest in the art form, though he remained contrarian and apprehensive all the same. If baiting him would put his friend on better financial ground then that was all that mattered, even if Franz wished it wasn’t so easy to make him see red.
“I am an enthusiast, the ideals are exactly what Germany needs, I know you disagree with me on that but you’re a long term case, I'll bring you round eventually. I certainly won’t get anywhere with supporters of this decrepit regime however!” Adolf was naturally grateful to Franz for all his help, though recently it had seemed that they were drifting in different circles. Their disagreements were the fire of their friendship but he felt his cultural sparring partner seemed somewhat too inclined to use his superior position in society over him whenever Adolf had a better point to make.
“Just remember your place and smile and nod, you can complain when you’re a famous artist, now come on, let’s get back in and pitch your work.”
That had been Franz’s reply, it wasn’t one that gave Adolf much confidence that he was being overly paranoid in regards to his friend. Adolf was no more inclined to smile and nod than Marinetti had been, though the young Austrian was not a man of influence.
He had no such pretensions.
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The painting is 'Pillars of Society' by George Grosz, though actually a satire on Nazism I feel it works quite well in capturing the pretence of the scene above.
So now we know both that Mussolini was Hitler's opponent rather than ally. The plot thickens...
But, more importantly, futurism does not take hold in Italy! Wait, would it even be called "futurism" in this situation? Wasn't the term coined by Italians?
I'm hoping for a bigger effect by Lithuanian futurists, the Keturi Vėjai movement. Would it even happen ITTL?
But, more importantly, futurism does not take hold in Italy! Wait, would it even be called "futurism" in this situation? Wasn't the term coined by Italians?
I'm hoping for a bigger effect by Lithuanian futurists, the Keturi Vėjai movement. Would it even happen ITTL?
I'm actually more or less going by OTL here, the Italian futurists were supportive of Mussolini but he never really showed them the same regard. The fascists even hosted a German exhibition on so-called "degenerate art" which included futurist paintings.
'England' as shorthand for the entire UK was very commonplace until the 1950s.
Paul, this is superb. I echo Ares' hints that the art history elements are as gripping as they are informative. This is the kind of thing the site needs more of, and to follow history's greatest monster as he embarks on a very different journey is a prospect made more exciting by the fact we're doing so in your exceptionally capable hands.
I loved the Hitchens bit.
Yes I can't help but wonder whether Hitler become dictator in Austria instead. Of course it' hard to imagine that a communist Austria turning into such a threat, that people would be on first name with its dictator.
Yeah, I should clarify that the remark wasn't meant as a sarcastic complaint, it is genuinely fascinating. Particularly so given it's not something I tend to seek out.
Hungary did flirt with Communism post war, perhaps he makes a name for himself in the post-Hapsburg chaos before heading to Germany.
Thanks comrade, so, so much.
In all honesty I was a bit wary of pouring in the art history early on but I realised that this site is ultimately for history lovers and it was silly of me to be concerned about readers not wanting to find out some more about something they might not be clued in on.
Your commentary is always a pleasure.
Yes, art history is still history. And, in my opinion, a very interesting part of it.
I had some thoughts of maybe someday doing a few parts in The Silver Knight focused on Renaissance art and literature in Lithuania, and then later continuing to Baroque, Classicism and modern literature, but I was wary of doing something like that, too on the grounds of reader interest.
But this TL gave me new confidence for it.
Let's see, Germany going Communist....
On the upside, Italy's an enemy, always an added bonus, populace should be a lot more receptive to his commands and such....
Downside, lot less time to get prepped for war with France, hell, depending on the French political situation, we might see a right wing government form and go to war with Germany...
Also means Poland is really in for "fun" times.
On the upside, Italy's an enemy, always an added bonus, populace should be a lot more receptive to his commands and such....
Downside, lot less time to get prepped for war with France, hell, depending on the French political situation, we might see a right wing government form and go to war with Germany...
Also means Poland is really in for "fun" times.
Not really, having Italy as an enemy make any German leader job 10 times more difficult as any attempt to defy Versailles much much more hard to make; it was Benny that allowed Anshluss and supported the militarization of Rhineland. A surviving Stresa Front mean Germany will not be prepared enough for any type of war and will be face enemy on west and south. Not considering that the alps, unlike the Maginot Line cannot be bypassed and are themselfs fortified, so any German attack from there will be a teutonic bloodbath
Yeah, but we're talking about ITALY here. Their military record is lacking.
Only if you stop at the caricature/stereotype level
The military record of Italy include the United Kingdom needing more than two years and using the bulk and the best of his naval, land and air asset to beat it, sure many battle had been won spectaculary...but in reality it was more like Tyson fighting a light heavyweight foe that already had two fight in term of resources and general capacity.
Not considering the fact that at least...Italy had an army and an air forces, while Germany not due to the restriction and unless some revolution engulf France, i doubt that communist Germany will receive the same 'tollerance' of OTL