Fascist Routes to Power Flashcards
Charismatic Authority
Ability to capture crowds/inspire important for affect fascism had on people, within the party paramilitary and with voters. A key part of fascist aesthetic.
Hitler central to Nazi processions/big name after 1923. Army sworn to him personally.
Mussolini occupied special status as ‘Il Duce’ and did things like always leave light on + not wear a shirt. All image, actual administration he did little beyond big plans.
Countries that didn’t find their “Hitler” never did as well as Italy/Germany. Franco wasn’t particularly charismatic but got into power through war. Mosley was that kind of figure but found no support.
Electoral Mobilisation
Fascism (along with other far-right/left groups) did much better in elections during periods of crisis (37% 1932 and 33% 1933 for Nazis) but had to capitalise on them.
Drew from variety of voter groups, middle + working class. Catholics in Spain.
Paramilitarism
Fascists seized power through March on Rome 1922. Blackshirts/squadristi has been used to break strikes. Had also held ‘punitive expiditions’ to establish power base/build connections locally + minimise socialist influence. Occupied Ferrara 1922 as show of force + criticism of Italian administration
Nazis attempted (but failed) to take power in 1923 Munich Putsch. SA also used to diminish socialist influence, not just in terms of presence in cities/towns but also with journalists/intellectuals. Held marches where symbols/shows very important. SA outside the Reichstag when Hitler passed Enabling Act 1933.
1934 riots from righ-wing leagues. La Roque of Croix de Feu decided to hold back, never gained the same impact. Paris at the time battleground between left/right.
