What Is Fascism? A Comprehensive Guide
The term ‘fascism’ evokes strong emotions – usually negative – from many of us, and with good reason. Fascism was the oppressive system that rose to power in Italy in the 1920s and spread across Europe, leading to World War II and the Holocaust. But what does fascism really entail? In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to examine what fascism is, along with the elements that make it up and its history.
Definition of Fascism
Fascism is a form of authoritarianism that grew out of the apocalyptic atmosphere of World War I Europe. It is an extreme nationalist and authoritarian form of government, characterized by a centralized, single-party state. Fascism seeks to promote traditional values, the use of force in order to exert its will and is marked by an intense, often blind, devotion to a leader.
Fascism is often seen as an extreme right-wing ideology and is characterized by racism, xenophobia, and intolerance. Fascism aligns itself with traditional values, religious institutions, and ideas of nationhood and national identity.
Core Principles
There are several core principles that define fascism.
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Authoritarianism: Fascism is an authoritarian system that places power in the hands of a single leader. The leader, often called a “Fuhrer” or “Duce,” is given complete control over every aspect of the country. Under fascism, the leader is responsible for making all decisions and is not subject to any form of public accountability.
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Nationalism: Fascism is deeply nationalist, exalting the nation above all else. Fascism emphasizes the uniqueness of the nation and its culture, language, and customs. Fascism seeks to create a mythical national identity based on shared values, traditions, and symbols.
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Militarism: Fascism is strongly militaristic, glorifying war and the use of force to achieve its goals. Under fascism, military strength is seen as a source of national pride and a source of power.
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Anti-liberalism: Fascism is anti-liberal, seeking to dismantle democracy and any form of government that seeks to guarantee individual freedoms. Fascism views the state as the only legitimate form of government and seeks to consolidate control under a single, powerful leader.
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Anti-communism: Fascism is strongly anti-communist, viewing communism as an unworkable form of government that seeks to eradicate religion and personal property rights. Fascism seeks to create a strong, independent nation free from the influence of both global capitalism and international communism.
History of Fascism
Fascism first rose to power in Italy in the 1920s led by Benito Mussolini. Mussolini sought to create a “New Roman Empire” and built a powerful machine that controlled all aspects of Italian life. Once in power, Mussolini sought to create an idealized “Italian man” who could be made a “soldier” of the state. Eventually, the fascist system was exported to other countries, such as Germany and Japan, where it took on different forms.
In Germany, fascism became linked to the Nazi Party led by Adolf Hitler. The Nazis sought to create an Aryan “master race” and promoted a virulent anti-Semitism. By 1939, fascism and Nazism had spread across Europe and Asia and led to the outbreak of World War II.
After World War II, fascism largely receded from the world stage. However, it has occasionally resurfaced in different countries around the world, often through right-wing reactionary movements.
Impact of Fascism
The effects of fascism have been far-reaching and long-lasting. Fascism has destroyed democracies and proved to be an oppressive force in many countries around the world. Fascism has also been deeply instrumental in promoting racism and hatred, leading to the genocide of millions of people.
Fascism has had a lasting impact on international politics and global economics. As a result of World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as the two superpowers of the Cold War and the military-industrial complex grew in power.
Fascism is an authoritarian system characterized by extreme and militaristic nationalism. It was first seen in Italy in the early 20th century and had a deeply destructive impact that lasted into the 21st century, and across the world. Despite its decline in the wake of World War II, fascism still has an impact and is seen in different right-wing movements today.
