ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses cultural and religious tumult created by World War I and the coming of modernity in the 1920s, and the response of artists, writers, intellectuals, theologians, and church leaders to the rise of authoritarian regimes. It examines the reaction of political and cultural authorities to mass culture, and their use of the new technologies of mass communication in the 1930s. Two trends were visible: the use of mass communication by politicians for propaganda purposes in the fascist and totalitarian states of Europe; and use of mass communication by business for consumerist purposes. The chapter explores the roles of cultural propaganda, mass education, and consumerism. Religion in Europe experienced developments similar to those in other areas of culture and life. Culture became a marketable product and sparked new industries that started catering to "markets" of consumers with free leisure time who needed to be entertained. The new mass entertainment events clashed with more traditional, high culture forms of entertainment.
