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

Other Notes in this Category

1. Characteristics and Appeal of Fascism
2. Cuba before the rise of Castro
3. Cuba under Castro
4. Fascism in Germany
5. Fascism in Italy
6. Rise of Communism in Cuba
7. Rise of the Nazis in Germany
8. Spanish Civil War

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