Fascism

Definition

Fascism is an authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology and movement characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests for the good of the nation, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fascism emerged in the aftermath of World War I, as a reaction against the liberal democratic systems and communist revolutions that were gaining ground in Europe.
2. Benito Mussolini's fascist regime in Italy, which came to power in 1922, is considered the first fascist movement to gain control of a national government.
3. Fascist regimes often used mass media, propaganda, and censorship to maintain control and rally support for their authoritarian rule.
4. Fascism is characterized by a strong emphasis on nationalism, militarism, and the belief in a natural social hierarchy, with the state and its leader at the top.
5. Fascist governments often sought to control and regulate the economy, while suppressing labor unions and other forms of independent economic organization.

Review Questions

• Explain how the rise of fascism in Europe was a reaction to the liberal democratic systems and communist revolutions that were gaining ground in the aftermath of World War I.
  • The aftermath of World War I saw the decline of traditional monarchies and the rise of liberal democratic systems and communist revolutions in Europe. Fascism emerged as a reaction against these changes, as it promoted a strong, authoritarian state, ultranationalism, and the belief in a natural social hierarchy. Fascist movements, such as Mussolini's regime in Italy, sought to regain a sense of national pride and order in the face of the perceived instability and chaos of the post-war period. They used propaganda, mass media, and the suppression of opposition to maintain control and rally support for their authoritarian rule.
• Describe the key features of fascist regimes, including their approach to the economy and their treatment of labor unions and other forms of independent economic organization.
  • Fascist regimes were characterized by a strong emphasis on nationalism, militarism, and the belief in a natural social hierarchy, with the state and its leader at the top. They often sought to control and regulate the economy, while suppressing labor unions and other forms of independent economic organization. Fascist governments typically promoted corporatism, which involved the organization of economic and social groups into associations that were granted a monopoly of representation within their respective sectors. This allowed the state to exert a high degree of control over the economy, while also maintaining the appearance of private ownership and industry. At the same time, fascist regimes often cracked down on labor unions and other forms of independent economic organization, as they were seen as a threat to the state's authority and the established social order.
• Analyze the role of mass media, propaganda, and censorship in the maintenance of fascist control and the rallying of support for authoritarian rule.
  • Fascist regimes were highly skilled in the use of mass media, propaganda, and censorship to maintain control and rally support for their authoritarian rule. They recognized the power of these tools to shape public opinion, suppress dissent, and create a sense of national unity and purpose. Fascist leaders used propaganda to promote their ideology, glorify the state and its leader, and demonize perceived enemies. They also employed censorship to limit the flow of information and ideas that challenged their authority. By controlling the media landscape and manipulating public discourse, fascist regimes were able to create an environment in which their rule was perceived as legitimate and necessary, even as they ruthlessly suppressed opposition and individual freedoms. This combination of propaganda, censorship, and the promotion of a strong, centralized state was a hallmark of fascist governance in the early 20th century.

Related terms

Totalitarianism: A form of government in which the state controls all aspects of society, including the economy, culture, and politics, and tolerates no opposition.

Nationalism: An ideology and movement characterized by the promotion of the interests of a particular nation, especially with the aim of gaining and maintaining the nation's sovereignty over its homeland.

Corporatism: A political system in which economic and social groups, such as businesses, labor unions, and agricultural groups, are organized into associations that are granted a monopoly of representation within their respective economic sectors.