Fascism is the name given to a nationalist, militaristic and totalitarian socio-political system, which emerged in Italy in 1921 under the leadership of Benito Mussolini, and culminated in 1945 with the end of the Second World War. By extension, the term “fascist” is used to refer to political tendencies that put into practice some of the characteristics of fascism.
Among the main characteristics of fascism the following can be mentioned.
Nationalism
Nationalism is the ideological justification of fascism. The defense of the nation as a unit, as well as its superiority, is quickly capitalized as a strong idea of the system, above any other argument. It is closely linked to the ideologization of the family as the nucleus of the nation, which implies regulating how it is organized and how the roles of its members are distributed based on the needs of the State.
See also Nationalism.
Opposition to capitalism and communism
Fascism aims to be an alternative to the capitalist and communist models, that is, a third way. From capitalism he rejects the value of individual freedom. From communism he rejects the principle of class struggle and the demands of the proletariat. The State is, therefore, the only guarantor of order and the only authority.
Corporatism
Consequently, fascism promotes corporatism, that is, the submission of all labor and economic interests to the discretion of a single union that receives instructions from the government, which dilutes the principle of class struggle.
Racism
Fascism included racism as part of its nationalist postulates. From the point of view of historical fascism, the Aryan race was superior to the others, which led to the persecution and extermination of other ethnic groups, especially Jews and Gypsies.
Personalism
The cult of personality of the charismatic leader is essential to the fascist model, which requires a single voice to follow, since the plurality of ideas is uncomfortable. Thus, all means of ideological propagation, such as education and the social media themselves, are at the service of promoting the cult of personality.
Authoritarianism
Dissidence is persecuted by fascism at all levels. Political actors must subordinate themselves to the official lines of thought, as well as the practices promoted by the State.
Militarism
To make the exercise of totalitarian authority possible, fascism reinforces the military sphere and promotes all its symbols, at the same time promoting fear and worship of violent authority.
See also Militarism.
Totalitarianism
The State dominates all areas of public and private life, exercising strict controls in all areas. Thus, the State intervenes in everything and unifies all powers under the control of a single political sector and its ideology. From that position of power, the State dictates and arbitrates the laws, directs the military power, regulates the economy, controls education and the media, gives opinions and rules on private life, sexuality, religious beliefs, the family, etc
See also Totalitarianism.
Illegalization of the opposition
Consequently, all forms of opposition are persecuted, which implies their illegalization. For this reason, fascism promotes the formation of a single governing party.
See also Characteristics of the dictatorship.
Control of the media and education
Both the media and educational programs are controlled by the State, which determines what type of content is distributed or censored. Only the values of fascism can be disseminated and promoted. This implies that fascism depends, to a large extent, on effective propaganda.
See also: