Fascism and Nazi Germany: A Historical Overview
1.2 The Ideology of Fascism
The tumultuous 20th century witnessed the rise of extremist groups and totalitarian doctrines, including Fascism, founded in Italy by Benito Mussolini. Fascism emerged as a broader reaction against the expansion of democracy and socialism, characterized by an authoritarian backlash.
Politically
- Fascism is deeply undemocratic, employing systematic violence to suppress opposition.
- It rejects equality among citizens, denies popular sovereignty, and abolishes representative institutions.
- Fascism promotes vigorous economic nationalism, advocating state intervention in all spheres of life and pursuing autarky.
Socially
- Fascism has a clear class bias, defending an anti-egalitarian society with dominant elites.
- It aims to overcome social divisions by banning class parties and trade unions, imposing corporate unionism linked to the state.
- Fascism often espouses a racist component, advocating the preservation and exaltation of a particular race.
Culturally
- Fascism opposes rationalism and materialism, glorifying irrational elements of human behavior.
- It exalts force and war, rejecting pacifism and legitimizing violence.
- Fascism promotes intense nationalism and imperialism, with territorial claims and a belligerent stance against socialist states.
2.3 Fascist Dictatorship
In 1925, Mussolini established a totalitarian state, with the Fascist Party assuming complete control.
- A law appointed Mussolini as prime minister, concentrating all power in his hands.
- The Rocco Act of 1926 banned all parties and unions except for the Fascists.
- In 1928, parliament was replaced by the Fascist Grand Council, which distorted its role.
- Provincial authorities were appointed by the government, and a political police (OVRA) was created.
- Mussolini secured the support of the Catholic Church through the Lateran Pacts of 1929.
- His foreign policy aimed to fulfill expansionist aspirations, leading to re-militarization and territorial claims.
2.4 Economic Interventionism
Fascism implemented a state capitalist system characterized by:
- Significant state intervention in the economy
- Protection of domestic industry
- Autarky, or economic self-sufficiency
The Institute for Industrial Reconstruction (IRI) was created to support troubled companies, giving the state control over key sectors.
Protectionist policies and import restrictions were implemented, leading to some industrial renewal but also higher costs and lower quality.
Other fascist projects included public works, agrarian programs, and birth incentives.
The close relationship between the private sector and the state benefited the powerful oligarchy politically aligned with the Fascist Party.
2.5 Strict Social Control
Fascism sought to control all aspects of society through party affiliation and trade union membership.
- The Opera Nazionale Balilla enrolled all children between 4 and 14.
- The Opera Nazionale Dopolavoro organized events and entertainment for adults.
- Education was controlled, with teachers required to wear black shirts and swear allegiance to the regime.
- Catholicism was declared the official religion, divorce was banned, and religious education was compulsory.
3 Nazi Germany (1933-1939)
The abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1918 led to the Weimar Republic, a democracy facing political and economic challenges.
3.3 The Nazi Dictatorship
Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor in 1933 marked the beginning of the Nazi dictatorship:
- Parliament was dissolved, and new elections were called.
- Parliament granted Hitler full powers for four years.
- Hitler became Führer and Chancellor of the Reich.
- Parties and unions were dissolved, and individual rights were suspended.
- The public administration was purged, and local authorities were transferred to the Reich.
The Nazi regime established a unitary, centralized state, identifying itself with the party.