Modern History

Topic 4: Core - Power & Authority

Rationale: The purpose of this topic is for students to develop an understanding of the nature of power and authority 1919–1946, and a broader transnational perspective. Students will investigate the rise of fascist, totalitarian and militarist movements after World War I; what drew people to these movements; the regimes that emerged and ongoing international efforts to achieve collective security. Through a study of Germany as a key example, students develop an understanding of how a democracy can collapse, the impact of dictatorship on a society, the elimination of individual freedoms, and the threats that dictatorships can pose to peace and security. This provides students with insights that contribute to a critical perspective on power and authority in the contemporary world.