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Fascism is a political ideology that emerged in the early 20th century and spread throughout Europe. It is characterized by authoritarianism, nationalism, and the rejection of liberal democratic values. The rise of fascism in Europe in the 1920s and 1930s led to some of the most devastating events in human history, including World War II and the Holocaust. Despite this, fascism continues to attract some people today.
In this article, we will examine the history, development, and practice of fascism, as well as why it is a failed and dangerous ideology.
History and Development of Fascism
Fascism emerged as a response to the social and economic turmoil in Europe after World War I. It emerged as a reaction to the perceived failures of liberal democracy and the rise of communism. Fascists saw themselves as a third way between liberal democracy and communism, offering a new form of government that would restore order, stability, and national pride.
The first fascist regime was established in Italy in 1922 by Benito Mussolini. Mussolini’s National Fascist Party promoted the idea of a strong, centralized state led by a charismatic leader who embodied the will of the people. Mussolini called for the creation of a new Roman Empire and believed in the superiority of the Italian race.
Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party in Germany was another major fascist movement. The Nazi Party promoted the idea of Aryan supremacy and the need to purify the German race. Hitler rose to power in 1933 and implemented policies that led to the Holocaust, the systematic extermination of six million Jews. It’s worth noting that the Nazi’s were evolutionary humanists that wanted to improve the species by eliminating all of those they deemed to be inferior or defective.
Fascist governments were also established in other European countries, including Spain, Portugal, and Romania. However, by the end of World War II, fascism had been defeated and discredited.
Practices of Fascism
Fascism is characterized by a number of practices that are dangerous and harmful to individuals and societies. These practices include:
- Suppression of civil liberties: Fascist regimes often suppress freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of assembly. They also restrict the activities of opposition parties and organizations.
- Use of violence: Fascist regimes use violence against political opponents and minority groups. This violence can take the form of mass arrests, torture, and even genocide.
- Cult of personality: Fascist leaders are often presented as larger-than-life figures who embody the will of the people. They are often portrayed as heroic figures who can solve all of society’s problems.
- Propaganda: Fascist regimes use propaganda to control public opinion and shape the way people think. This propaganda can take the form of posters, rallies, and even films.
- Militarism: Fascist regimes glorify military strength and conquest. They often seek to expand their territory through aggressive wars.
It’s worth noting that the modern day woke movement embodies at least three of the five points listed above which is a good enough reason for free thinkers everywhere to resist their advances. If unopposed sooner or later, they’ll cluster their influence around a charismatic leader and the world as we know it will end. Conversely, it’s the fear of fascism that leads to many of our elected leaders downplaying patriotism and national identity as they worry that it might lead to political movements that could end in Fascism. This is a hold over from the political climate that followed in the wake of the second world war.
Quotes from Fascists
To understand the popular appeal of fascism, it is helpful to examine some quotes from fascist leaders:
“The fascist accepts life and loves it, knowing nothing of and despising suicide: he rather conceives of life as duty and struggle and conquest, but above all for others – those who are at hand and those who are far distant, contemporaries, and those who will come after.” – Benito Mussolini
“We have only one task, to stand firm and carry on the racial struggle without mercy.” – Adolf Hitler
These quotes illustrate the appeal of fascism to some people. Fascism offers a sense of purpose and belonging, and promises to restore order and stability to society. However, the reality of fascism is much darker and more dangerous than these quotes suggest.
Why Fascism is a Failed and Dangerous Ideology
Fascism is a failed and dangerous ideology for a number of reasons. First, it is based on the idea of racial and national superiority, which leads to the suppression of minorities and the promotion of violence against them. This has been seen throughout history, including the Holocaust, the genocide of indigenous peoples, and the apartheid system in South Africa.
Second, fascism is characterized by the rejection of liberal democratic values, including freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the rule of law. This leads to the concentration of power in the hands of a single leader or a small group of leaders, who can use this power to oppress and control the population.
Third, fascism promotes the idea of a strong, centralized state, which can lead to the suppression of individual freedoms and the subjugation of local communities. This can also lead to the concentration of wealth and resources in the hands of the state, which can be used to benefit the ruling class at the expense of the rest of society.
Finally, fascism often promotes the use of violence and aggression as a means of achieving its goals. This can lead to devastating wars and conflicts, as well as the displacement and suffering of millions of people.
We should be thankful that fascism has been discredited and defeated, and that liberal democratic values have prevailed in many parts of the world. However, we must also remain vigilant against the resurgence of fascist ideas and movements particularly ones that masquerade as humanitarian or caring movements that have a better world as their telos. Ideologues, particularly left wing ones will sacrifice the world in order to make a better one, or to put it more succinctly will destroy paradise in order to save it. As free thinkers we must constantly emphasise that the world is not perfect, can never be perfect and can only be improved by expanding the reach of human rights into nations that do not have them as well as common law liberties, a product of the anglophile world. The world is abundant and can provide for all without anyone having to sacrifice their way of life or freedoms to do so, this more than ever should be humanity’s mission.
In conclusion, fascism is a failed and dangerous ideology that has caused immense harm throughout history. While it may offer a sense of purpose and belonging to some people, the reality of fascism is much darker and more destructive than its promises suggest. We must continue to reject fascism and uphold the values of liberal democracy, including freedom, equality and the rule of law.
