Fascism in Practice Flashcards
Eugenics/rascism
Forced sterilisation of undesirables in Germany (mentally ill, homosexuals, dif-gendered, Jews, Slavs, anyone not white) 1933. 1939 Euthanasia decree for same groups.
Belief in Aryan master race, stronger, smarter, creators of culture
Hatred of Jews, ugly/weak, conniving. Conspiring for capitalist greed + communism + freemasonry
Early SS had to adhere to certain physical characteristics.
Breeding programs:
Germany: banned abortions for Aryans, badges, forced breeding homes for Aryans.
Italy: Battle of Births 1927 included loans for married couples partly cancelled with each new child, tax exemption for men with 6+ children, tried to prevent non-widowed women from working
Authoritarianism
Hitler had total power, army sworn to him personally. Disbanded parliament 1933. Took out Rohm in Night of the long Knives. Centrality of Hitler to processions.
Mussolini occupied special status as ‘Il Duce.’ Often represented doing traditional manly things like sport or having a fucking pet Lion what a madman. Was the embodiment of the fascist new man. Did relatively little actual administration but was able to enact massive plans such as 4 battles (Grain, 1925, Lira 1926, Births 1927 Land 1928) + new rome 1931
Imperialism
Important to Mussolini and Hitler, less so to others who won WW1. Warfare side of things v important too
Mussolini said empire was ‘an essential manifestation of destiny.’ Attempted to colonise ethiopia 1935. Tried to channel emmigration to Italian controlled territories.
Hitler attempted to start third Reich with Czechoslovakia 1938 and Poland 1939. Also supported Hungarian arrow cross to power 1944.
Totalitarianism
Control over peoples identities, fascist male pushed to father children, play sports, go to war and even die. Women should know their place as mothers in Germany + in Italy (stuff in eugenics section).
Those who didn’t conform sterilized or killed (disabled, “asocial,” mentally ill, homoesexual, non-binary)
Control over lives. Nazi work and play programs all to increase state control.
Officials based on loyalty to party mostly, true with ppl like Goebbels tho was skilled.
Economics
Despite attempts, neither Nazis or Fascists removed capitalism economy. Corporatist government increased state control but did not change anything drastically
