A World Without Fascism: Consequences and Alternatives

Imagine a world in which fascist ideologies never took root. How would this alter the course of history, particularly during World War II, and shape the current political landscape?

Germany and the Kaiser: A Different Path

Without the fascist influence that shaped World War II, Germany would likely return to its pre-Hitler monarchy. The Kaiser system, which was replaced during the Weimar Republic, could have re-emerged, potentially providing a more stable and less aggressive political structure. This would have significantly altered the alliances and motivations in the lead-up to World War II.

Italy's Communist Shift

Italy, too, might have taken a different route. Absent fascist leadership, the socialist or communist tendencies could have culminated in a full push towards communism. The absence of Mussolini would have disrupted the Axis alignment and potentially led to a more independent and perhaps more democratic Italy.

The Absence of Operation Barbarossa

The infamous Operation Barbarossa, which marked the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union, would not have occurred. Such an absence would have altered the geopolitical balance, leading to a different approach to World War II. The Northern Front, which was planned from the outset, would not have been fought, and the eastern front would have looked very different.

A Non-Anti-Semitic Germany: A New Path

An anti-Semitic Germany would not have been in play, and this absence could have led to a more neutral stance or even a less aggressive one. If this Germany had obtained nuclear capabilities, it would have used them to exert pressure. A targeted strike against Free France could have forced Britain to surrender, potentially altering the global balance and leading to a triangular Cold War between democracy, communism, and imperialism.

A 3-Way Cold War: Democracy, Communism, and Imperialism

Without the fascist axis, the conflict would have shifted towards a competition between democracy, communism, and colonial imperialisim. A non-fascist Nazi Germany might have maintained its authoritarian factions but focused more on economic and territorial ambitions rather than ideological warfare. Similarly, an authoritarian Japan would still possess imperial ambitions but without the fascist ideologies that influenced it.

European Socialism and Communism

Europe might have moved towards a more socialist or communist structure. However, this does not mean a united Europe under Soviet leadership. Individual nations would have their own strongmen and political leaders, and the absence of Soviet dominance does not necessitate the subordination of these nations under Soviet control.

The Role of the USA and Britain

The elephant in the room is undoubtedly the United States and Britain. Their naval and air forces would have been formidable enough to resist any fascist or communist push. Even if the Nazi and Italian forces aligned with Russia, their naval and air capabilities would not have been sufficient to challenge the combined military power of the USA and Britain.

Conclusion: Economic and Social Instability

While a communist Germany might seem viable, it is unlikely to be a sustainable economic and social system in the long run. History shows that such systems tend to collapse under their own weight, leading to renewed conflicts and instability. As such, even if a communist Germany managed to crush France and Britain, a new conflict would likely arise once the system destabilizes.

A world without fascism could lead to significant shifts in global politics, but it would not necessarily result in a more stable or peaceful world. Instead, it could lead to a complex and often unstable political landscape dominated by competing ideologies and interests.