POLS 2300-400 Fascism as an Ideology

Fascism as an Ideology
Stephen Peterson
Political Ideologies

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POLS 2300-400 Fascism as an Ideology

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Fascism as an Ideology
Fascism was an ideology, creed, or doctrine which exerted an incredibly large influence
on international and especially european politics. This pattern of thought was the result of
changes in not only the world of politics but also in societal norms and even the sciences.
Fascism espoused itself to the local community while at the same time estranging the global
community. The state was central to fascism. In fact, fascism could in some regards be seen as
ultra-nationalism. This creed was a powerful tool which sought to unite people while
simultaneously rejecting incongruence within the population.
Fascism peaked as an ideology within the inter-war period. this period served as an ideal
incubator for fascist ideas. The ideas of the french revolution were still new, less than 150 years.
Darwins theory on the origins of species was just gaining widespread notoriety and this lead to
the propagation of the idea of social darwinism or the idea that certain cultures would survive
because of an inherent superiority. Furthermore, nationalism was hitting its peak and certain
nations were facing severe economic downturns which resulted in a desire for immediate change
and action. All these factors were conducive to the formation of a fascist state.
Through recognizing the factors that helped create a fascist state we also begin to
recognize what exactly constitutes fascism. One of the key elements is anti-rationalism. This is
reflected in several propaganda statements from both fascist Italy and Germany such as,Action
not talk. or Inactivity is Death (Heywood 203) These statements reflected an acceptance of
action based on emotion rather than calculated and rational decisions.
Another key element of Fascism is ultra-nationalism and the concept of a natural struggle
for dominance between various nations. The state was seen as being ultimately important in

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fascism. The doctrine necessitates that people identify with the state or nation above all else. A
quote from Benito Mussolini demonstrates this concept,The keystone of the Fascist doctrine is
its conception of the State, of its essence, its functions, and its aims. For Fascism the State is
absolute, individuals and groups relative. (brainyquote.com) This doctrine of state supremacy
also served to facilitate Fascisms acceptance of social darwinism. Social darwinism is the idea
that rival nations or societies compete for supremacy and this idea necessitates that individuals
be grouped into societies or nations. Just as Darwins ideas express that the species is more
important than individual creature, Fascism preaches that the state is more important than the
individual.
This concept explains why race played such an important role in fascist states. For
community and state to trump individual identity it was necessary that people become as alike as
possible. This explains why ethnocentrism is so closely associated with Fascism. The definition
of ethnocentrism is, the belief in the inherent superiority of one's own ethnic group or
culture. (dictionary.com) The aim of Fascism is to unite all people in one culture which is
perceived to be superior. This is exactly what Hitler aimed to accomplish with the Aryan super
race. While uniting the majority of the population through the use of propaganda he could not
incorporate certain ethnicities which did not match his image of the dream race. This made it
necessary for him to eliminate them as they were unable to fit into his own culture. Unity was
more important than all other factors according to the dictates of Fascism. As such Fascism
sought to eliminate any differences between the members of its own nation while
simultaneously enlarging the perceived differences between one nation and the cultures and
ethnicities of other nations.

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Fascism as an ideology fights diversity and rejects enlightenment ideals. Emotion, unity
and loyalty are of utmost importance. All individuals are seen as appendages of the state.
Rejecting the idea of democracy for a popular dictatorship. It relies heavily on central and total
leadership. Its aim for unity often means the rejection of other races and diversity in general.
Though there are several different sub-categories of Fascism these elements make up its core
and basic characteristics.

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POLS 2300-400 Fascism as an Ideology

Works Cited:

"Benito Mussolini Quotes." BrainyQuote. Xplore, n.d. Web. 18 July 2016.

Heywood, Andrew. Political Ideologies: An Introduction. 5th ed. New York: St. Martin's, 1992.
Print.

"The Definition of Ethnocentrism." Dictionary.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 July 2016.