Fascism is a political movement that emerged in Italy in the 1920s. It stood for right-wing, racist and xenophobic ideas. Benito Mussolini came to power in Italy in 1922.
Fascists are known for their ultra-nationalism and authoritarianism. They reject democratic values. The Partito Nazionale Fascista (PNF) was founded in 1919 and came to power in 1922.
The ideology of fascism is extremely nationalistic and strives for dominance. In Italy, this led to several wars, such as the Second Italo-Libyan War. The invasion of Albania was also carried out by Mussolini’s regime.
National Socialism in Germany was strongly influenced by Italian Fascism. It led to the Second World War and cost millions of lives. Fascist regimes want an ethnically homogeneous society, often through racism and discrimination.
Origin and historical development of fascism
Italian fascism began after the First World War. It shaped Italy for over two decades. This regime destroyed democracy.
The emergence in Italy under Mussolini
Benito Mussolini founded the “fasci Italiani di combattimento” in 1919. He had 200 radical nationalists with him. By 1921, the movement had grown to 250,000 members.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
Etymology of the term “Fascio”
“Fascio” comes from the Latin “fasces”. It means “bundle of rods”. This symbol stood for unity and strength.
Development into a political movement
Fascism grew rapidly. By 1921, Mussolini had 35 seats in parliament. The “March on Rome” made him Prime Minister.
The fascist regime grew stronger. In 1925, it banned opposition parties.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1919 | Foundation of the “fasci Italiani di combattimento” | Start of the fascist movement |
| 1921 | Elected to parliament | First political successes |
| 1922 | “March on Rome” | Mussolini becomes prime minister |
| 1925 | Ban on opposition parties | Establishment of the dictatorship |
What is a fascist – basic definition
A fascist follows the fascist ideology. This idea is nationalistic, authoritarian and anti-democratic. Fascists reject liberal, Marxist and conservative values.
They want a totalitarian state. Fascists see politics as a constant revolution. They want the individual to be subservient to the state.
Fascist movements emerged in Europe between 1920 and 1940. They mainly attracted men from the middle classes. Many had not previously been politically active.
Fascists used myths and symbols. They set up a police apparatus to control dissenters. A single party organizes the masses. Young activists are often part of these movements.
Ideological core elements of fascism
Fascist ideology has several central elements. These elements define its worldview and political actions. They are important for understanding fascism as a political movement.
Ultranationalism and the cult of the leader
Ultranationalism is a main pillar of fascist ideology. It emphasizes one’s own nation and places it above all others. This goes hand in hand with the leader principle, which places a charismatic leader at the top.
The cult of the leader is reflected in the unconditional worship of this person.
Anti-democratic attitude
Fascism rejects democratic principles. It strives for an authoritarian one-party system that suppresses opposition. This attitude is reflected in the rejection of pluralistic models of society.
Glorification of violence and militarism
Glorification of violence and militarism are further core elements. War is seen as a means of national renewal. Militarism strongly characterizes the fascist world view.
- Extreme nationalism as a basis
- Cult of the leader and cult of personality
- Rejection of democratic structures
- Glorification of violence and war
Fascist power structures
The fascist state had specific structures of rule. These shaped Italy from 1922 to 1943, during which time there was a centralization of power and repression.
One-party state and centralization of power
A one-party system was the basis of fascist rule. All other parties were banned in 1926. The Acerbo electoral law of 1923 secured the fascists a majority.
In the 1924 elections, the fascists achieved an absolute majority.
Suppression of political opposition
Opposition was systematically suppressed. Political opponents were persecuted and eliminated. Unemployment rose sharply, which increased social tensions.
Control over the media and society
The fascists strictly controlled the media and society. They mobilized the population for their goals. During the First World War, 5.7 million soldiers were conscripted.
Fascism used this experience to spread its ideology.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1922 | March on Rome, beginning of fascist rule |
| 1925 | Establishment of the one-party dictatorship |
| 1926 | Ban on all non-fascist parties |
| 1943 | End of fascist rule in Italy |
Neo-fascism in the present
Neo-fascism is a modern form of fascism. It manifests itself in various forms and presents democracies with new challenges.
Modern manifestations
Neo-fascist movements are adapting. The “New Right” from the 1960s wants cultural supremacy. Groups such as the Identitarians use fascist aesthetics.
In Germany, neo-fascism exists in various forms. The AfD is considered a right-wing populist movement. The Jungeuropa publishing house deals with the legacy of fascism.
Social dangers
Neo-fascist movements are dangerous for democracies. Historian Robert Paxton sees fascism as political behaviour characterized by an obsession with decline and victimhood. This can lead to violence.
Neo-fascism uses social media to spread its messages. This makes it difficult to distinguish it from other movements. It is important to defend democratic values and promote dialog in society.
FAQ
What is the basic definition of a fascist?
Where and when did fascism originate?
What core ideological elements characterize fascism?
What do typical fascist structures of rule look like?
Does fascism also exist in the present day?
What does the term “ultranationalism” mean in the context of fascism?
