Fascism and Nazism: A Historical Overview
Fascism and Nazism: The Nature of Fascism
Fascism was a historical phenomenon that emerged in Europe between the two World Wars. It was a social and ideological movement, aggressive and anti-democratic, led by a dictator who gained mass support and, in some cases, seized power. Once in power, Fascist movements implemented dictatorships without hesitation and never held free elections.
Common Ideological Aspects of Fascist Regimes
- Totalitarian Subordination in all aspects of life: anti-syndicalism, anti-democracy, anti-egalitarianism
- Aggressive Nationalism
- Irrational faith in a leader’s power
- Justification of violence
- Militarization of society
- Use of revolutionary vocabulary
- Economic system based on autarky
The aftermath of World War I was crucial, allowing the expansion of Fascism. The violence left a positive, albeit misleading, impression, fueling nationalist sentiment. Key factors included social frustrations and economic crises, as well as the humiliation of the Treaty of Versailles and a liberal hostility towards the state. Many young people, confused and disillusioned, found themselves drawn to the structure and purpose offered by Fascist movements.
In short, the humiliation following World War I, coupled with aggressive nationalist sentiments, created the optimum conditions for the rise of ultra-nationalist movements. Fascism was unique because it differed from traditional authoritarian regimes. Unlike traditional dictatorships, it was a mass movement with an apparently revolutionary doctrine, embodied by a leader who aimed to permanently reshape the lives and institutions of citizens through a totalitarian and dictatorial state, suppressing all opposition.
Fascism in Italy
In 1920, Italy was a country of contrasts: the North was industrialized, modern, and bourgeois, while the South remained largely agricultural and archaic. Most of the working population lived in rural areas. Following World War I, political hegemony was shared between the bourgeoisie and landowners in the North and South. After the war, despite appearances, severe economic and psychological consequences remained: loss of life, broken promises of annexed lands, widespread economic crisis, and rising unemployment.
Amidst this severe economic crisis and encouraged by the Bolshevik example, the existing tradition of working-class struggle in both agriculture and industry led to factory and land occupations, and calls for radical change.
The Power Grab
Between the emergence of the Fascist movement and its seizure of power, four years passed. In the 1919 elections, the Fasci di Combattimento had no MPs, and its founder, Benito Mussolini, received only 4700 votes. By the end of 1920, industrial and agricultural property owners began financing the Fascist movement to counter the labor movement. In parts of northern and central Italy, Fascists spread terror among unionists, workers, peasants, and members of socialist municipal governments.
In 1921, the movement transformed into a political party: the National Fascist Party. In the 1921 elections, it won only 32 seats. Mussolini’s subsequent rise to power involved escalating terrorism against democrats, with the complicity of the government: police, military, judges, and the government itself largely ignored the violence. In October 1922, at a conference in Naples, Fascists planned a march on Rome, demanding power. This was presented as an ultimatum to the King. Faced with the threat, the Prime Minister requested a state of siege from King Victor Emmanuel III, but the King not only refused but appointed Mussolini Prime Minister. This marked the first time a Fascist party leader assumed power in Europe. The March on Rome was largely a theatrical event, with the main decisions made behind the scenes on October 30, 1922.
Phases of Fascist Policies
From 1922 to 1924, Fascism operated legally and democratically, but behind the scenes, preparations for absolute power were underway. Tactics included preventing opposition deputies from returning to Parliament, enacting emergency laws, establishing a one-party state, creating special courts, and forming a political police. From the late 1920s to the outbreak of World War II, Italian Fascism continued concentrating power, controlling the masses within a totalitarian state, and managing the economy, particularly after the 1929 crisis. Agricultural productivity was boosted through land reclamation campaigns and public works projects. Mussolini became Il Duce, the source of all power and decisions. Citizens were integrated into the state through youth organizations, trade unions, or the Party. Around 1938, impressed by German efficiency, Mussolini began imitating Nazi rituals and became a loyal ally during World War II.