6: Italian Fascism, Nazism Flashcards
Fascism was created by _____.
Mussolini.
Within fascism, what is the life of the citizen?
The citizens’ life IS the State, which only accepts behaviour in accordance with it.
Fascism was a political movement, a combination of what two things?
Nationalism and totalitarianism.
What are the economic and political views of fascism?
Economically anti-capitalist/socialist (corporatist).
Politically populist, anti-democratic/liberal/Marxist.
The ‘Iron Shield’ of the State refers to what?
No human/spiritual value exists within.
Fascism is opposed to trade unions and sees them as a form of _____.
Class warfare.
Paxton (1998) cited four difficulties in defining fascism. What are they?
“Timing” – poorly understood because its birth and appeal were sudden and unexpected.
“Mimicry” – appeal of ideas (vitality, force).
“Doctrine & Action” –the problem of ‘isms’.
“Overuse” and imprecise use.
What is the fascist conception of “The State”? What are the three characteristics?
The State is an absolute, and individuals/groups are relative.
Has a will and a personality: ‘ethical State.’
Directing force, material and spiritual.
Vitality, dynamism, martial, & the Common Will.
The State curtails what? How does this pertain to the individual?
“Useless” or “harmful” liberties while preserving those deemed essential.
Individual cannot be judged, only the State is.
List five characteristics of fascism’s “selective populism.”
Group over the individual/duties over rights.
Victimhood – internal & external enemies.
Erosion and decadence.
Common convictions – inclusive & exclusive.
Authority of il Duce – a leader who IS destiny.
Another tactic of Italian fascism is “newspeak”. Define it.
‘Impoverish vocabulary’ to limit instruments of critical thinking and reasoning. Propaganda & indoctrination.
Another tactic of Italian fascism is “rejection of the modern world.” What does this mean?
Especially when placed in the Enlightenment. Irrationalism.
What three elements make up the doctrine of Italian fascism?
State control: everyone and everything served the state.
Freedom cannot be found in individual liberties. Individuals, groups, classes will all unite behind the “iron shield of an all powerful state”.
Liberal freedoms useless because only freedom that matters is freedom to serve the state.
What two elements make up Nazism?
Fascism and racism.
