Fascism

Question 1

When was the term fascism created?

Answer 1

Fascism was created before World War I.

Question 2

Which philosophical influences affected fascism from the 19th century?

Answer 2

George Hegel – state duty/obligation over individual expression
Friedrich Nietzsche – the will to power
Jonathan Fichte – German destiny to expand

Question 3

What was the trigger for fascism?

Answer 3

Right wing views were becoming more prevalent in Europe before World War I
There was a rejection of 19th century liberalism
Germany and Italy were having economic troubles and they were ripe to having fascism “Italy wants people, work, calm. I will give these things with love if possible, with force if necessary” (Muselini)

Question 4

Which types of fascism took over in Italy and Germany?

Answer 4

Fascism – Italy

Nazism – Germany

Nazis are racist, fascists are not.

Question 5

How are fascists and Nazis similar?

Answer 5

1. They distrust tradition and elites
2. Believe in a strong central authority figure
3. Believe in a united society – at the expense of individual will/freedom
4. Violence is an excepted political tool.
5. Aggressive expansion.

Question 6

How are the fascist different? Start with Italy.

Answer 6

Italy
Loyalty to the state was key
Use of traditional symptoms - fasces and imperial eagle
Wanted to re-create a modern Roman empire
Co-opted the Catholic Church to add more legitimacy

Question 7

How are the fascists different?

Germany

Answer 7

Race
Hitler was preoccupied with race
Austro - Hungarian empire was multi ethnic; he saw this as a weakness; he thought inclusion of Jews was the central problem; He wanted a pure race
He created a hierarchy of races; Africans and Jews were at the bottom

Question 8

Why did the fascists and Nazis think they were modern?

Answer 8

Modernity
Both Nazis and fascist believe they were establishing a new society, they rejected all structures - church, aristocracy, bourgeoisie
New allegiance was to the state
“Iron Man with iron will”, hyper masculinity

Question 9

Did fascism have a youth movement?

Answer 9

Yes. There was a celebration of youth.

They mobilize the youth by controlling their minds and bodies.

Question 10

What were the contradictions of Nazism?

Answer 10

What the Nazis said was often contradictory

They promoted motherhood and traditional family values but used violence to get what they wanted