In Escape from Freedom’s first chapter, psychoanalyst Erich Fromm outlines some of the core ideas from which he will build his exploration into the psychological dimensions of Fascism. In Fromm’s view, American and European modern history is characterized by collective struggles to gain individual liberties. Through these struggles, the tyrannical rule of kings and the church are steadily replaced by democratic institutions which grant each individual citizen the right to freely and peacefully determine how they want to live their lives. These struggles for freedom culminate in World War I, which many individuals, including Fromm, believe to be the final war, heralding an era of peace for mankind.

However, the years following World War I see Fascist movements rise up in Germany and Italy. These Fascist movements are driven by support from the masses, who sought to “surrender their freedom” (19) to authoritarian figures in exchange for a feeling of security. Humankind’s willingness to “escape from [their freedom]” leads Fromm to question whether the desire for freedom is an inherent part of human nature, as well as consider which psychological conditions lead to the rise of Fascism.

Fromm’s analysis of Fascism is part of an academic study called social psychology, which uses psychological concepts to analyze society and social movements.