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Fascism: Meaning, Example and Characteristics

Fascism has been interpreted in multiple ways. it as a violent, dictatorial instrument of monopoly-finance capital, which emerged in the form of brutal attacks on workers, and rights in a period of intensification of class struggle and acute crisis in the capitalist economy. Another interpretation views fascism as the product of cultural and moral breakdown in the aftermath of the brutality and savagery of World War. Let’s know more about Fascism with it’s example below.

Meaning Of Fascism

Fascism is a political system where the government has complete control over the country. It emphasizes nationalism, often at the expense of individual rights. It advocates for a strong central authority led by a single leader or party, and often involves suppression of political opposition. The ideology also typically promotes the idea of superiority of the nation or a particular group within it. It means to aggressive policies both internally and externally.



Example of Fascism

Hitler’s Nazi Germany remains the only example of the full radicalization of a fascist movement. As Germany’s absolute ruler, Hitler destroyed all political opposition, he invaded countries across Europe and launched World War II in partnership with Mussolini.

Characteristics of Fascism

Who created Fascism

Benito Mussolini role

Upon being expelled from his position as chief editor of the PSI’s newspaper Avanti! for his anti-German stance, joined the interventionist cause in a separate fascio. The term “fascism” was first used in 1915 by members of Mussolini’s movement, the Fasces of Revolutionary Action.



Origins of Fascism

Italian political theorist Benito Mussolini created fascism for the first time in the early 20th century. According to him, the needs of the state should come before those of the nation and the state, and each person’s rights should be respected to the extent possible. He also opposed the notion of class conflict and advocated for a “corporatist” state in which people were grouped or “corporates” according to their line of work or industry.

The Fasci di Compartment (Fascist Party) was established by Mussolini in 1919 and promoted a strong centralized government, aggressive nationalism, anti-Semitism, anti-communism, and anti-Semitism. He organized the “March on Rome” in 1922, at which time they overthrew the government and installed a fascist regime in Italy.

What contributed to rise of Fascism

One of the most influential historical hypotheses on the rise of Fascism in Italy argues that the political and economic instability that followed WWI increased the vote shares for the Socialist and Communist party. Driven by the fear that Italy would follow the steps of USSR and turn into a Socialist state, the political, industrial elite and middle class turned to Mussolini as the only one able to restore public order. Fascism arose in Europe after World War I when many people yearned for national unity and strong leadership.

In Italy, Benito Mussolini used his charisma to establish a powerful fascist state. Benito Mussolini coined the term “fascism” in 1919 to describe his political movement. He adopted the ancient Roman fasces as his symbol. This was a bundle of rods tied around an ax, which represented the power of Rome. Mussolini established the first fascist regime, followed soon after by others, including Nazi Germany.

Impact of Fascism in world war II

These ideas have motivated fascist regimes to commit massacres, forced sterilizations, deportations, and genocides. During World War II, the actions of the fascist Axis powers, with their genocidal and imperialist ambitions, caused the death of millions of people.

Fascism and the modern world

Historian Emilio Gentile has defined fascism as “a modern political phenomenon, revolutionary, anti-liberal and anti-Marxist, organized in a militia party with a totalitarian conception of politics and the State, an activist and anti-theoretical ideology, with a mythical, virilistic.

Fascism and Racism

Fascism is a movement that promotes the idea of a forcibly monolithic, regimented nation under the control of an autocratic ruler. The word fascism comes from fascio, the Italian word for bundle, which in this case represents bundles of people while Racism is discrimination and prejudice against people based on their race or ethnicity. Racism can be present in social actions, practices, or political systems (e.g. apartheid) that support the expression of prejudice or aversion in discriminatory practices.

Fascism vs Communism

Communism and Fascism were two political ideologies that first appeared in the early 20th century. Both philosophies continue to be divisive and contentious subjects of discussion and have had a tremendous impact on world history.

Communism is a political and economic ideology that supports the dissolution of social classes and the shared ownership of the means of production. The fundamental tenet of communism is that everyone in society should have equal access to the wealth and resources generated by the group.

Fascism is an authoritarian, nationalistic ideology that places a higher value on the state and the nation than it does on the individual. The state should run the economy and should repress political opposition, according to fascism.

Fascism vs Dictatorship

Fascism– Far-right authoritarianism, known as fascism, aims to establish a centralized, totalitarian state under the control of one party or leader. Nationalism, militarism, and the repression of political dissent are highlighted by fascism. It encourages a market economy with tight governmental regulation.

Dictatorship– A dictatorship is a system of governance in which a single person or a small number of people, known as the dictator, holds all the power. Dictators typically come to power via violence or force as opposed to democratic methods.

Conclusion

Fascism encourages authoritarianism, national unity, and frequently racist and xenophobic viewpoints. The concepts have been put into practice in numerous nations around the world with differing degrees of success. It’s crucial to remember that both ideologies have been linked to violations of human rights, the repression of political dissent, and unsuccessful economic policies.

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Fascism – FAQs

What is fascism?

Fascism is a radical political ideology that emphasizes strong centralized government, extreme nationalism, and often racism and militarism.

Who created fascism?

Benito Mussolini, an Italian political theorist, is credited with creating fascism in the early 20th century.

What is the main goal of Fascism?

The main goal of fascism is to establish a centralized, totalitarian state with strong governmental control over the economy and the repression of political opposition led by a single leader or party. Additionally, militarism, nationalism, and the repression of political dissent are emphasized.

What is the difference between the economic systems of Communism and Fascism?

Fascism aims to establish a capitalist economy with strong state control, whereas communism seeks to establish a planned economy in which the means of production are owned and managed by the community as a whole.

What is the role of the state in Communism and Fascism?

In communism, a classless, stateless society will be created, which will cause the state to disappear. In fascism, the state is crucial in putting down political opposition and governing the economy.


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