Fascism

To what extent is Fascism a revolutionary ideology' Directly put, Fascism is in fact, a largely revolutionary ideology. Though definition and application of Fascist ideals can differ, history shows that Fascist movements for the most part, revolutionize the the countries they hold power in. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, the core tenets of Fascism are generally specific and uncompromising. Take Mussolini’s Fascists for example. They believed strongly in nationalism, authoritarian rule and the idea that the collective is more important that the individual. They also sought to rid Italy of the class divide and had little time for political debate. Instead they believed in repressing and destroying opposition. This concept of Fascism continued to grow and gain popularity in the 20’s when in 1922 Mussolini ordered his followers to seize multiple post offices and train stations and to take up positions surrounding Rome. The fascists succeeded in taking control of several offices and trains in what he would call the “March on Rome.” King Victor Emmanuel iii, worried by the potential for bloodshed appointed Mussolini as Prime Minister in what would be the first major step to gaining complete control of the country. This ‘March on Rome’ is a product of the movement’s radical ideas being put into action. While it was a relatively smooth transition, Mussolini’s actions were that of a revolutionary. By 1925 Mussolini had dismissed parliament and declared himself as dictator of Italy. In the following few years the Fascists revolutionised Italian society. Opposition deputies were denied access to parliament and censorship was introduced. Among many other sweeping changes they also created the Ministry of Corporations that was effectivbely used to exert more control and banning worker strikes and allowing the government to have power of employee organisations. The Italian Fascist movement may be the most significant example of Fascism manifesting as a revolutionary ideology but there are many others that help support this view. Nazi Germany, which Hitler modelled on Mussolini’s Italy, provides more examples of revolutionary Fascism. Although Hitler’s coming to power was achieved democratically, once consolidated, he used this power to revolutionise Germany. Like the Italians, the Nazis went about instilling their views in society via indoctrination and censorship. However the Nazis went further than this. Fundamental to Nazi ideology is the belief in racial supremacy. With the goal of progressing and preserving the ‘aryan race’ they passed radical racial laws to oppress and isolate minorities and other ‘undesirables’. They also adopted and extremely aggressive foreign policy which led to several invasions and ultimately to the beginning of World War 2. When you consider the previous government was the somewhat liberal Weimar Republic it is reasonable to conclude that the change to Nazi rule was revolutionary. While the actions of Fascist movements have proven radical, the period in which these events took place is a crucial factor in understanding how and why revolutionary action was taken. When the great depression hit at the end of the 20’s countries such as Germany were hit hard. In amongst the sea of unemployment and poverty that was created were people desperately looking for something or someone to provide a new way forward. The Nazis, like the Fascists in Italy, were tailor made to fill this role with their new, radical ideals. It is possible to argue that Fascist ideals could be promoted or instilled without revolution. However, with beliefs and ideals are so strongly advocated within an ideology it is inevitable that it will attract radical, revolutionary individuals.