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Fascism

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Totalitarianism Fascism is a form of totalitarian rule. Totalitarianism is a form of government that

controls or attempts to control the totality of human life and completely subordinates the individual to the state.

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Fascism and National Socialism Italian Fascism and German Nazi Party. Benito Mussolini (1883-1945) and Adolf Hitler

(1889-1945) are the most well known founders of fascism.

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The “Theoretical” Base1. Irrationalism

2. Social Darwinism

3. Nationalism

4. Glorification of the state

5. The leadership principle

6. Racism

7. Anticommunism

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1. Irrationalism

Fascism is based on irrationality and requires blind faith in the state; it discourages reliance on one’s own intellect.

The masses are irrational and emotional. They should be told what to do & think.

Rational individuals promote self interest; no interest supersedes that of the state.

In fascist ideology the original premise may be logical but the actions to achieve this end may not be.

Fascist ideology relies on the “myth” of blood, soil, etc.

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2. Social Darwinism Life is a struggle for survival within and

between each species. The struggle purifies the race.

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3. Creation of a nation or identity Nation = identifiable cultural/ethnic group. Pride is associated with your particular ethnic group. The individual does not matter, the group is

everything. Ex. Nazism sought to create a pure, Aryan state

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4. Glorification & membership to the state

The state is the carrier of the culture and spirit of the people, the driving force that brings the people together.

The state is also synonymous with nation or nation state.

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5. The leadership principle Each subordinate owes absolute obedience to

his or her immediate superior, all the way up to the Führer.

The Führer’s will is the peoples will, and vice versa.

The Führer could do no wrong.

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6. Racism A pseudo-scientific idea that views the human

species as divisible into sub-groups or “races”.

Those outside of the “nation” seen as enemies This point connects perfectly with point 2, 3,

& 4.

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7. Anticommunism Liberalism and Marxism are both based upon

“reason”. Fascists opposed these ideologies largely on this ground.

Reason does not align with national interests. This aligns perfectly with point 1.

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Organizational Makeup of Fascism