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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why did the second group of Germans who both supported the Nazis and adopt their ideas submit to Hitler?

2. What examples does Fromm cite in the chapter "Freedom and Democracy" of how a democratic society limits individuals?

3. What practice does Fromm cite evidence that an individual's thoughts could be suggested by someone else?

4. Who replaces the original self?

5. In addition to a love for Germany, what other authoritarian characteristic did Hitler possess?

Short Essay Questions

1. What were the economic, social, and political conditions like in Germany prior to Hitler's rise to power?

2. What characteristics describe the second group of Germans who supported the Nazis?

3. What are the consequences for the individual and society when pressure to conform exists?

4. What qualities did Hitler and Nazism possess that appealed to a large population of Germans?

5. How does Fromm describe sadistic people?

6. What is spontaneous action and original thought?

7. What is the relationship between sadism and masochism? How does the relationship affect authoritarian characters?

8. What characteristics describe the first group of Germans who supported the Nazis?

9. What was life like for the lower, middle class following World War I? How did these conditions impact impacted their submission to Nazism?

10. What is automaton conformity?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze Fromm's argument that the Nazi party came to power due to sadomasochistic tendencies. In your response, address the following points:

1). Explain why Hitler was a sadomasochistic leader.

2). Define the roles of submission and dominance in the power of Nazism.

3). Explain what group of people submitted fully to Hitler, and why.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay that compares Nazism to another authoritarian regime (Italian Fascism, North Vietnam, Chinese communism). In your essay, be sure to address the following points:

1). Similarities and differences in authoritarian leadership style.

2). Identify the political affiliations of both regimes.

3). Describe the historical events surrounding authoritarianism.

4). Explain how each regime suppresses the freedom of its citizens.

Essay Topic 3

Why does Fromm use Nazism to discuss authoritarianism and automaton conformity? How does the ideology of Nazism connect with Fromm's ideas on individuality and freedom? What other authoritarian political ideology possesses similar authoritarian and conformity tendencies?

(see the answer keys)

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