“Fascisterne” as “the fascists” in Danish captures more than just a political label. It is historically and ideologically rich. It evokes the violent political and social upheaval resulting from Europe’s fascist regimes in the early 20th century and contemporary ultra-nationalist movements. Additionally, ‘fascisterne’ invokes a narrative that resonates within society.
With this guide, I aim to both define fascism and outline its ideological genealogy. I aim to show why such a term remains politically pertinent today.
What is the meaning of “Fascisterne”?
The word ‘Fascisterne’ stems from ‘Fascist’ and so does “Fascister for” which is the Danish plural definite of the term referred to. Therefore, “fascist” refers to a single follower of fascism, while “fascisterne” denotes the group.
In the context of Danish society and media, it is applied while discussing:
– The fascist Italy under Mussolini
– Nazi Germany – While Nazis are technically National Socialists, not fascists, the two are often conflated because of shared ideologies.
– Far right movements in Denmark and other countries.
– Europe
To explore further into Fascisterne, one must delve deeper into the concept of fascism and outline its origins.
Fascism’s Origins
Italian nationalism and fascism had a single progenitor, which was the country of Italy after losing World War 1.
What is particularly noteworthy is its founder, Benito Mussolini himself. The word originates from Latin “fasces”, a bundle of rods.
Core Ideology of Fascism
– Authoritarianism: A Form of power in which self-governing competition has been extinguished for the sake of an inflexible governing system.
– Nationalism: Extreme love and praise of one’s country, frequently coupled with a hatred of foreigners.
– Militarism: Extreme appreciation of unnecessary wars and military activities.
– Anti-Democracy: liberal democracy, alongside socialism, were both rejected by fascists.
– Control of Society: Media, industries, education, civic bodies, and personal liberties under the supervision of policymakers’ regimes.
– Cult of Personality: Abnormal praise of leaders such as Mussolini and Hitler, ascribing to them absolute authority and infallibility.
Fascisterne in Europe: The Rise of Fascist Movements
1. Italy: The Birthplace of Fascism
Mussolini was initially part of the Italian Nationalist Association and subsequently founded the National Fascist Party in 1921.
His acceptance as a Prime Minister came after the Blackshirt March on Rome in 1922, an occurrence he accepted without any qualms.
Unlike any other leaders in Italy during this period, Mussolini kept complete control from 1925 to 1943.
2. Germany: The Axis of Nazi Fascism
Although the principles of National Socialism were deeply incoherent and portrayed the narrative of a struggling nation that seeks revival, its core tenets, as well as the party itself, were deeply steeped within the cult of Hitlerism. However, parts of it illustrated fascist features such as:
– Rule through an authoritarian one-party state
– Expanded militarily
– Ultrapatriotism
– Racism and anti-Semitic doctrines
This is largely why these ideologies are provocatively labeled fascism, despite more nuanced differences between the ideologies.
3. Spain: Franco’s Regime
In 1939, Franco established an aligned fascist dictatorship for Spain after winning the civil war. His rule featured extreme censorship of the press, intense political repression, a fierce nationalist agenda, and rampant oppression of regional diversity.
4. Denmark and the Fascists
Danish fascist movements surfaced in the 1940s, the most notable of which were:
DNSAP (Danmarks Nationalsocialistiske Arbejderparti) The Danish Nazi Party.
Although they had no significant political power in Denmark, fascist sympathisers were quite helpful to the Germans during WWII.
The Impact of Fascisterne During World War II
The Axis Powers
Together with Imperial Japan and fascist Italy, Nazi Germany constituted the core of the Axis Powers during WWII.
These states flaunted their militaristic and imperialistic tendencies, instigating the deadliest conflict in human history.
Holocaust and War Crimes
Brutal campaigns of genocide and ethnic cleansing, alongside severe violations of human rights, were crimes which fascist regimes felt no compulsion to hide, let alone justify.
Over six million Jews and millions of people from other targeted groups were murdered during the Holocaust, one of history’s most catastrophic and profoundly disturbing atrocities carried out by the Nazi regime.
How Fascism Was Defeated
European fascist regimes suffered total defeat for the first time during World War II, and for Europe, Italy surrendered immediately after suffering fascist defeat.
Italy: After leading Italy to defeat in World War II, Mussolini was captured by partisans and executed in 1945.
Germany: As the Allied forces began encircling Berlin, he retreated into a bunker where he infamously took his own life, marking the end of his reign of terror.
Spain: While Franco’s regime managed to survive WWII, it later transformed into a constitutional monarchy long after Franco passed away in 1975.
Working Through the Legacy of Fascism
Europe was confronted with the challenge of how to politically reconcile society with fascist ideologies and regimes after they fell.
Nuremberg Trials: These are the first judicial war crimes trials in history, reserved for the principal Nazis.
Both Italy and Germany adopted policies of De-Fascization.
Germany and Denmark have passed laws through Historical Memory legislation, which criminalises Holocaust denial and the promotion of fascism.
Contemporary Fascism: Is it still present?
Regrettably, such ideologies are more widespread than many would care to believe. Presently, neo-fascist movements take on a multitude of new forms:
Modern Fascism: Key Components
- Extreme nationalism wed to xenophobia.
- Hostility towards immigrants and immigration.
- Caucasian supremacy and general racism.
- Political violence, coercion, or intimidation.
- Governance that tends towards autocratic rule.
Denmark and Europe: Far-Right Movements
While contemporary far-right parties may struggle to brandish their ideology as openly fascist, there is no shortage of such groups that have been labelled as ideologically fascist.
This also includes ultra-nationalist hate groups and political parties.
Fascism – Consequences of Neglecting It
Fascism – Why Study It Today?
A holistic historical approach seeks to reduce the chances of making mistakes in the future.
The concept of democratic resilience actively prepares societies to face and mitigate counter fascist oppression.
Discrimination, violent denial of fascist ideology, while recognising human rights, ensures protection towards vulnerable groups, which safeguards fascism’s violent tendencies.
Pop Culture and Media: Fascism
Fascism has been dealt with through artistic works, including films and documentaries.
Films: Chaplin mockingly portrays Hitler and Mussolini in The Great Dictator.
Literature: Orwell’s 1984 and Animal Farm warn against authoritarianism.
Documentaries: Many studies analyse The Rise of Fascism and its hold over a society, along with its contemporary lessons.
Contemporary Warning Signs of Fascist Tendencies
Albright and Dr. Umberto Eco are some of the leading political scholars who expound on the more contemporary signs of fascism, featuring:
- An obsessive preoccupation with traditionalism
- Negativity directed towards modernity
- Xenophobia
- Outrage collective appeal
- Supremacy of a race obsessively towards the antagonist
- Patriotism replacing personal rights and liberties
- Unfettered militarism
- Unrestricted ideational and expressional divergence repression
Timely recognition of these signals greatly aids in combating neo-fascist ideologies.
Final Remarks: The Lasting Effects of ‘Fascism’
‘Fascism’ utilises history, but also serves as a warning. The rise and fall of fascist regimes leave enduring scars, but studying the threats these regimes pose can help safeguard societies in the future.
Reflecting on ‘Fascism’ provokes contemplation about the trust issues facing democracy. It highlights the need to protect democratic values from authoritarianism, not just from within, but across the world.
Common Inquiries (CI) About ‘Fascism’
Q1: Are fascist movements still active today?
A: While classical fascist regimes may have been defeated, far-right and post-fascist militant groups in some regions continue to exist, often under different guises.
Q2: Do fascism and Nazism refer to the same ideological construct?
A: They are largely similar; however, race was an additional element for Nazis, whereas fascism concentrated on socio-political aspects.
Q3: Under which nations did fascist movements emerge?
A: Almost all European nations harboured fascist movements. This includes Denmark, Italy, Germany, and even Spain, although the latter lacked fully functional governments.
Q4: What can society do at large to prevent the resurgence of fascist movements?
A: Monumental actions providing education, active citizenship, and inclusive civic space that counters fascist ideology could be implemented.
Q5: What makes the study of fascists pertinent and necessary?
A: To understand fascism is to enable the defence of democracy as well as avert repeated mistakes in history.