The Faces of Fascism

As the farcical actions of a ragtag group of young nationalists plunges Europe into war, we look at the reactions in Germany, Italy and Spain. While Hitler was swept along by a wave of patriotic fervour, Mussolini was working to keep his country out of the war - at first - while Franco remained a detached observer.

Entering the military provides Francisco Franco with an ideological quest: restore the honour of Spain or gloriously die in the attempt. But his career in soldiering does not get off to an auspicious start.

To what extent was Francisco Franco's outlook shaped by his childhood? We look at the region he was born in, the tumultuous history of Spain, and the difficult relationship he had with his father, Don Nicolás.

To the victor, the spoils? Having turned their fortunes around and discovered patriotism in the process, Italy expected to be rewarded for being on the winning side of the Great War. Finding themselves ignored as the French and Americans decided Europe's future allowed resentment to fester, and Benito Mussolini to exploit the public mood. As society despaired at a weak government and veterans found the country weak and wanting, a new movement began to emerge...

Far from being a precocious young man of destiny as he would later claim, Adolf Hitler led the life of an indolent, directionless and cosseted youth. Here, we take a look at his early life - already based more on negatives than positives - as well as his attitudes to Wagner, women and The Sex.