Rise of Fascism: Origins, Characteristics, and Italy’s Dictatorship
The Rise of Fascism: From Post-War Turmoil to Dictatorship
Introduction: The period following World War I saw the rise of various forms of authoritarianism, including in Hungary, Turkey, and the Soviet Union. The interwar years were marked by political, economic, and social problems. Population growth, territorial claims, and the desire for self-determination fueled conflicts. Initially, the fear of a Soviet-style revolution gripped the bourgeoisie. The brief period of peace ended with the economic crash of 1929, which dealt a severe blow to democracies.
The emergence of Nazism in Germany, led by Hitler, introduced a program of radical, aggressive nationalism and a totalitarian single-party system. Dictatorships triumphed in many locations. Democracies that survived did so by incorporating socialist policies into their economic systems. Hitler came to power in 1933.
Characteristics of Fascism
- Totalitarian State: Fascism sought to control all aspects of life, placing the state above the individual.
- Single-Party Dictatorship: Leadership was based on a charismatic leader, inspiring faith and obedience.
- Anti-Capitalism and Anti-Communism: Fascism rejected both rationalism and class struggle, emphasizing action and emotion.
- Aggressive Nationalism: Fascism was tied to territorial expansion and nationalistic fervor.
- Racism: Racism, particularly anti-Semitism, became a core tenet of fascist movements.
- Irrationality: Fascism rejected Western cultural values, exalting instinct and emotion over reason.
- Political Violence: Violence was used to eliminate perceived enemies of the state.
Everything was dominated by a single party, which indoctrinated and controlled the population through symbolism, uniforms, and propaganda. Fascism was inherently a macho movement, with women assigned specific roles.
Fascist Italy
Italy experienced negative consequences from World War I, including increased debt, inflation, labor unrest, and agricultural strikes demanding land reform. This alarmed employers and the upper classes, who feared a revolution. A political crisis ensued. Universal male suffrage was introduced in 1913, leading to unstable coalition governments. This environment fostered the rise of fascism.
Fascism to Power
Benito Mussolini, a former militant socialist turned radical nationalist, founded the fascist movement in 1919. His paramilitary groups targeted anarchists and socialists. Initially a revolutionary socialist party, they adopted violent tactics and gained support. Mussolini abandoned revolutionary ideas in 1921 and created the National Fascist Party. In 1922, a socialist strike demonstrated their weakness. The Fascists organized a march on Rome. The government requested a declaration of a state of siege, but the king refused to sign it. The government resigned, and the king called on Mussolini to form a new government, marking the beginning of a dictatorship.
Fascist Dictatorship in Italy
By 1925, Mussolini transformed Italy into a totalitarian regime, consolidating all powers as the head of government. The Rocco Law prohibited all parties and unions, and press censorship was implemented. In 1928, Parliament became part of the Fascist Grand Council, with government officials chosen by Mussolini, who was now referred to as “Il Duce.” He secured the support of the Catholic Church by signing the Lateran Treaty, which recognized the Pope and Rome as the capital of Italy. In exchange, the Church’s ecclesiastical marriage was validated. The Pope’s support was crucial for fascism.
Application of the Dictatorship on a Social Level
The regime sought to control all aspects of social life, with a strong emphasis on indoctrinating youth. Catholicism was enforced in education, and the role of women as mothers and caregivers was exalted. The media was controlled and filled with fascist values, with radio and film heavily promoted. On the economic front, the state intervened heavily. The Ministry of Economy controlled everything. Economic policy shifted from liberal to interventionist by 1924, with protectionism becoming the norm. The goal was autarky, with the state buying failing companies after the economic crisis of 1929.