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TSR Wiki > Study Help > Subjects and Revision > Revision Notes > History > 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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