Fascism

 Fascism is a sort of authoritarian ultranationalism marked by ruthless repression of opposition, dictatorial rule, and rigid social and economic regulations. Millions of people, on the other hand, have lost faith in democratic government. As a result, they turned to fascism, an extreme form of rule.This article explains the Fascism which is important for UPSC Indian Polity Preparation.

 

Fascism

Fascism

• Fascism is a type of authoritarian ultranationalism characterised by brutal suppression of opposition, dictatorial control, and strict social and economic regimentation.
• Following the end of World War I in the early twentieth century, the movement gained traction in Italy before expanding to other European countries.
• For a long time, political scientists and historians have discussed the exact nature of fascism, with each definition containing distinct characteristics and many others being criticised for being either too broad or too limited.
• Many experts believe that fascism and its adherents have always opposed communism, conservatism, and liberalism, relying on far-right support to gain power.
• The widely accepted definition of fascism is that of historian Stanley G Payne, which is usually regarded as accurate by contemporary researchers. Fascism is broken down by three concepts in his definition.
• Fascism opposes liberalism, communism, and conservatism.
• Fascism's goals are to establish a patriotic dictatorship that will manage the economy and arrange social interactions within a contemporary, self-determined culture in order to turn a country into an empire.
• Romantic symbolism, mass mobilisation, a favourable view of violence, and the promotion of authoritarian leadership are all used by fascism to gain support.

 

Historical background

Historical background

• Weak administrations and economic suffering characterised the years following World War I, which ended in 1919.
• Economic prosperity had become a faraway dream in postwar Europe as a result of events such as the Russian Revolution and the Great Depression. This was especially noticeable in Italy and Germany.
• The Weimar Republic inherited a country reeling from defeat and the harsh restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles.
• The economic downturn of 1929 exacerbated the situation, as inflation left the German currency almost worthless.
• The German government was unable to pay war reparations under the Versailles Treaty as a result of this. In an attempt to get Germany to repay its debts, France briefly invaded the Ruhr valley.
• Such events provided ideal ground for Hitler and his Nazi party (the German variation of Fascism) to present themselves as a viable alternative.
• Hitler promised to end the Versailles Treaty's "injustices" and usher in a new period of prosperity. In identical circumstances, Italy's Benito Mussolini ascended to power.
• Following the defeats of Germany and Italy in World War II in 1945, the Fascist movements in both nations came to an end. However, the concept was alive and well in Spain under General Franco and in Chile under General Pinochet, who reigned until the 1970s.

 

Characteristics

Characteristics

• Popularity - Fascists were known for rallying the populace in mass meetings, marches, and other public gatherings in order to gain popular support and solidify their control.
• Parliamentary democracy - Fascist movements criticised parliamentary democracy for allowing the Marxist menace to flourish in the first place.
• Cultural liberalism - Cultural liberalism was also assailed by fascist propagandists, who claimed that it promoted moral relativism, godless materialism, and selfish individualism, undermining traditional morality.
• Economic programmes - The vast majority of fascist movements' economic programmes were extremely conservative, favouring the wealthy significantly more than the middle and working classes. In this regard, their language of national "socialism" was deceptive.
• Industry - Each of the major sectors of industry, agriculture, the professions, and the arts would be organised into state- or management-controlled trade unions and employer associations, or "corporations," each of which would negotiate labour contracts and working conditions and represent the general interests of their professions in a larger assembly of corporations, or "corporatist parliament," according to the fascist economic theory of corporatism.
• Imperialism - it was a goal of many fascist movements.
• Academic development - Fascist educators prioritised character development over academic development, devalued information transmission, instilled mindless obedience to authority, and prevented critical and independent thought that contradicted fascist ideology.
• Military - Military virtues such as courage, unconditional devotion to authority, discipline, and physical strength were favoured by fascists.
• They also adopted military-style exterior appearances, such as paramilitary clothing and Roman salutes.
• Fascism is an intentionally non-democratic and anti-democratic system.
• Ideology was only a by-product of shady opportunism.
• Fascism has been chastised for its intellectual deception.

 

Conclusion

Conclusion

In contrast to previous mobilizations, fascism now exists as fringe movements. Despite the fact that such movements have yet to make an impact in national elections, they are gaining ground as a result of ongoing challenges such as war, immigration, and other crises that have recently affected their countries.