O fascism it was a political movement of an anti-democratic and authoritarian regime that emerged in Italy in 1922, and remained in force until 1943. The so-called "classical fascism" was implemented to the detriment of the economic crisis scenario resulting from the First World War.
Associated with this, in the same post-war period, there was the fear of the strengthening and growth of socialist ideas in the country.
O fascist leader and representative of the movement's ideals was Benito Mussolini, commonly called by its followers as Duce (leader). Through oppressive attitudes, the regime became one of the symbols of the totalitarianism recurrent in Europe.
The term has stood the test of time, being commonly used nowadays in public manifestations, especially on social networks. However, generally, its use happens in a generic and erroneous way. Thus, the expression currently refers to people who display violent and authoritarian personality.
To get an idea of the force the term has acquired over the years, George Orwell, English writer and owner of a collection of enviable dystopian works, as early as 1944, criticized the use of the word in his country, which in his point of view was incorrect.
To put an end to the doubts, we have a clear and direct explanation about what is fascism in its classic definition, besides presenting important considerations coming from current political scientists about “neo-fascism”.
What is fascism really?
To arrive at an exact definition of what fascism is, it would be necessary to analyze all the countries that adopted the regime and make a comparison of the common points.
As mentioned, even the author George Orwell said in a statement that the measures applied in one fascist state did not use the same ideology as in another.
Political scientist Chip Berlet, on the difficulties in bringing a definition broad and secure about the term, it was already said that the fascist political current had a parasitological and chameleon, that is, it sought, through the appropriation of icons and historical symbols, the strength for its mobilization.
Hence the difficulty in analyzing the concept. Despite the problems, there is a general consensus in the academy of political scientists and historians. For them, the fascism defends radical political doctrines based on the interests of the conservative right. However, it is not here to state that every practice of this more conservative group is, therefore, considered a fascist attitude.
In general, the discourse of this type of government presents populist characteristics, which aim to end the problems that hurt the nation, such as corruption, detriment of moral values, and so on.
Thus, the economic, political and social crisis factors of a nation serve as a gateway to the establishment of the regime. Its highly charismatic leaders present solutions and answers to the problems experienced by the people. After the rise to power, the population stance changes its context, giving way to more violent, hierarchical, authoritarian attitudes and benefiting the elites.
Between the First and the Second World War, period named "between wars", the word fascism represents the following situations:
- The call classic fascism, led by Benito Mussolini from 1922 to 1943;
- In reference to the Nazism German led by Hitler and considered a more extreme form of fascism;
- Ideologically speaking, the Italian regime inspired other totalitarian movements across the European continent, such as the salazarism (Portugal), Francoism (Spain), among other countries such as Lithuania, Croatia, Hungary and so on.
neo-fascism concept
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In recent periods of history, the term "neo-fascism”. The expression took on a representative form of political regimes and movements that take up the practices of classical fascism.
However, there is an impasse when drawing a direct relationship between the two terms: the latent adaptability of the ideological concept of regime in different societies and types of cultures.
Some attributions linked to neo-fascism can be mentioned, especially when it touches on issues:
- Patriotism exacerbated through the use of violent, authoritarian and xenophobic conduct;
- Use of aggressive rhetorical discourse and the “supposed” need to fight “internal enemies” of the nation;
- Neglect of ideals characteristic of liberal democracies, and rejection of individual freedom.
Main characteristics of fascism
In order to broaden the reader's understanding of fascism and how it should be understood, especially by the point of view of historians, see some mitigating features that explain the Italian political system:
- Adoption of one-party, highlighting fascism as the only political force in force;
- Control of State functions relating to politics, economy, culture, society and so on.
- Veneration for the leader, considering him as the only and possible savior of the country's problems;
- Use of discourse that exalts traditional values as opposed to modern principles of behavior;
- Control of the masses through populist ideas;
- Disregard for other forms of government, especially those based on socialist and communist values;
- Condemnation of traditional political practices, alleging their futility in resolving the essential emerging issues of a nation.
Italian Fascism by Mussolini: Summary
Created by fascist leader Benito Mussolini, the etymology of the term refers to a symbol of the Roman Empire. The word “fasci” during this period represented a bundle of wooden rods, ending with a male in the center.
One of the ideas defended by the dictator was to even make Rome an even more glorious and imperial city, in reference to ancient times.
In a brief biography, Mussolini began his political career in a controversial way. Acting as a member of an Italian socialist core, he was expelled from the movement in 1914 after publishing an article defending Italy and its achievements during the First World War. It is noteworthy that supporters of socialism at the time they were totally against the Italian presence in the war.
From then on, by adopting a vigorously nationalist discourse, the future dictator began to gain followers, who supported his ideals in unison. Also supported by landowners and the elite, fascism gained momentum and was consolidated between 1919 and 1920.
Then emerged the National Fascist Party with the aim of taking power from the Italian nation by legal means, however, in violent oppression of its opponents; read socialists.
Mussolini's propulsion in different areas of society, coupled with strong support from influential groups, made the Duce was appointed Italian Prime Minister. the historic March on Rome, in October 28, 1922, consisting of supporters of the leader and the fascist movement, pressured the king Victor Emanuel III to assign the position to Mussolini.
With power in hand and full acceptance between the conservative and royalist class, the Duce it came to control the Italian state rigidly and in a totalitarian manner. Furthermore, it served as an inspiration for other countries to also adopt the form of government that was growing.
The regime's downfall happened only during the events of World War II, when the forces internals together with the nations opposing Italy managed to overthrow Mussolini and the ideology of his movement.
See too: Contemporary Age - Summary, characteristics and timeline
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