Class PPT-Basic Core Themes of FASCISM

Fascism

A political ideology promoting a strong centralized government, often characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.

Fasces

A bundle of rods tied around an axe handle, symbolizing strength through unity; adopted by Mussolini for his paramilitary groups.

Organic Unity

The idea in fascism that emphasizes a cohesive national community over individual rights.

1789

Refers to the year of the French Revolution, which fascism reacts against.

Anti-rationalism

A core theme of fascism that exalts action and emotion over logic and reason.

Will to Power

A philosophical concept by Nietzsche that emphasizes the driving force of human beings to assert and enhance their power.

Vitalism

A belief, associated with Bergson, that life is characterized by a force that drives it towards action and expression.

Nihilistic

A quality of fascism characterized by a lack of positive ideals and potential destructive outlook.

Volk

A German term referring to the 'people' or 'folk' that fascism aims to emotionally connect with.

Social Darwinism

A theory used in fascism that applies the concept of 'survival of the fittest' to social and racial policies.

Eugenics

A controversial movement within fascism that sought to improve the genetic quality of a population, often through discriminatory practices.

Expansionism

A strategy adopted by fascist regimes that promotes territorial or economic growth.

Führer Principle

The idea in fascism that society is structured around a strong, singular leader.

Ubermensch

A superman or overman concept from Nietzsche that influenced fascist leadership ideologies.

Charismatic Authority

A type of leadership where authority is derived from the charisma of the leader.

Max Weber

A sociologist known for his theories on authority, including traditional, legal-rational, and charismatic types.

Aryanism

A belief in the superiority of the so-called Aryan race, often used as justification for racial policies in fascist regimes.

Integral Nationalism

An extreme form of nationalism that seeks to elevate the nation above all else.

Autarky

Economic self-sufficiency; a core principle in fascism that promotes independence from foreign trade.

Statism

A political system in which the state has substantial centralized control over social and economic affairs.

Totalitarianism

A political system where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and strives to regulate every aspect of public and private life.

Corporatism

An economic system that advocates the organization of society by corporate groups, such as agricultural, labor, military, or scientific affiliations, often used in fascist regimes.

Modernization

A theme in fascism that embraces technological progress and changes in society to rebuild and strengthen the state.

Anti-Semitism

Prejudice against Jews, which was a significant aspect of fascist ideology.

Racial Purity

The belief in maintaining the supposed purity of a particular race, often used to justify discriminatory practices.

Racial Supremacy

The belief that one race is superior to others, often used to rationalize oppressive policies.

Struggle

A concept in fascism that emphasizes conflict and competition as a natural part of societal evolution.

Negation of the Individual

A belief in fascism that prioritizes the state or collective over individual rights and identities.

Emphasis on Emotion

The focus in fascist ideology on stirring strong feelings to mobilize the masses.

Restlessness

A characteristic of fascism that promotes continual change and expansion, reflecting Social Darwinist ideas.

Heroic Warfare

The glorification of war and conflict as noble and necessary in fascist theory.

Leader Cult

The phenomenon within fascism where leaders are idolized and central to national identity.

Elite Structure

The hierarchical society in fascism, divided between the supreme leader, warrior elite, and masses.

Cultural Revolution

The process of overhaul and reinforcement of cultural values aligned with fascist ideals.

Militarism

A central theme in fascism, emphasizing military power and the promotion of armed forces.

Fascist Symbolism

The use of symbols, like the fasces, to communicate fascist ideals and unify followers.

Collectivism

The principle of giving a group priority over each individual in it, often seen in fascist thought.

Emotional Mobilization

The fascist strategy of using emotional appeals to rally the population.

Ideological Purity

The strict adherence to a specific set of beliefs often enforced in fascist regimes.

Crisis Response

The reaction of fascist movements to crises, such as war and economic downturns, to consolidate power.

Simplicity of Thought

A feature of fascist ideology calling for straightforward, often black-and-white, thinking.

Theme of Fascism

Organically unified national community
 Individual is nothing
 1789 is dead- revolt against the values of the French
Revolution

and its emphasis on collective identity over individual rights, promoting a vision of society where the nation-state is paramount.

Origins and Development of
Fascism

Mussolini in Italy
 Hitler in Germany
 Response to defeat in war
 Response to economic crisis

The historical roots and evolution of fascist movements, including their rise in early 20th century Europe, shaped by social, economic, and political factors.

Core Themes of Fascism

Anti-rationalism
 Nietzsche- Will to power
 Bergson- Vitalism- point of life is to give expression to the
life force
 anti-intellectualism
 Emphasis on emotion over reason
 Despise thinking and exalt action
 Negative and destructive quality
 Lack of positive ideal
 Nihilistic
 Based on emotional connection to the people (Volk or folk)

The fundamental beliefs that underpin fascist ideology, emphasizing strong emotional ties to the nation, rejection of rational thought, and a focus on action over intellectualism.

Struggle

Core Theme of Fascism

Social Darwinist
 Eugenics- racial struggle
 Restless, expansionist quality
 Exaltation of war and violence as means of achieving national goals. The belief in survival of the fittest applied to nations, advocating for a constant state of conflict to strengthen the collective identity and unity of the nation.

Leadership and Elitism: Core Theme of Fascism

Based on leader (fuehrer) principle
 Society has 3 kinds of people
 1. Supreme Leader
 2. Warrior elite
 3. Masses- destined for absolute obedience
 Influenced by Nietzsche’s idea of the Ubermensch
(superman, over man)
 Charismatic Authority

Max Weber’s theory of authority
 Traditional
 Legal-rational
 Charismatic

The belief in a strong, charismatic leader who embodies the nation's will, supported by an elite ruling class and requiring total loyalty from the populace. This theme underscores the importance of hierarchy and a unified vision for governance.

The belief that a strong, charismatic leader embodies the will of the nation, supported by a ruling elite and demanding loyalty and obedience from the masses. This theme emphasizes hierarchy and the need for a singular vision to guide the state.

Ultra nationalism: Core Theme of Fascism

Aryanism
 Integral nationalism
 Autarky- strict self-sufficiency

The belief in the supremacy of the nation, characterized by a strong emphasis on national identity, unity, and the exclusion of perceived outsiders. This theme promotes the idea of an ethnically homogenous society and often involves aggressive nationalism.