Revision:Characteristics and Appeal of Fascism
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Characteristics: (during inter-war period)
- Strongly nationalistic
- Strongly/Violently anti-Communist
- Anti-Liberal-democratic
- Opposed to international org.
- Elitist and Authoritarian (‘Obedience not discussion’ — Mussolini)
- Close identity btw the party and the state
- Strongly anti-Semitic
- Glorified war (promoted Social Darwinism)
- Profoundly racist
- Had a paramilitary wing (ie: Blackshirts / S.A.)
- Promoted the myth of the race (use victories of the past)
- Placed emphasis on the myth of the predestined leader
- Made great use of symbolism (ie: swastika)
- Did not have a clear doctrinal base
Reasons for the Appeal of Fascism
- Fascism was not clearly developed in theory and could appeal to all groups irrespective of status
- The emphasis upon law and order was appealing (it was seen as an alternative to social unrest)
- People were turning to other forms of Gov. due to immense economic problems.
- Weak governments were easy preys for the fascists
- The fear of communism led to support for the fascists who were violently anti-Communist
- Fascism gave its members a sense of identity
- Fascism made great use of the potentials of the newly developed mass media
- Traditional parties lacked inspiration and the fascists:
- Represented a dynamic alternative
- Were not opposed by the Gov. which they sought to bring down
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