Fascism
Definition
Fascism is a political ideology that emerged in early 20th-century Europe which seeks to create an autocratic government led by a dictatorial leader, centralized control over private enterprise, suppression of opposition through force, and extreme nationalism.
Analogy
Imagine if your school principal decided they were going to make all decisions without consulting anyone else - teachers or students - enforced strict rules with harsh punishments for breaking them, promoted intense school spirit at all costs while suppressing any dissenting voices. That's similar to how fascism works in politics.
Related terms
Benito Mussolini: He was an Italian politician who led the National Fascist Party and is credited with being one of the key figures in the creation of Fascism.
Nazism: This is a form of fascism that incorporates scientific racism and antisemitism. It was the ideology of the Nazi Party in Germany led by Adolf Hitler.
Autocracy: A system of government where one person has absolute power. Both fascism and Nazism are forms of autocratic rule.
"Fascism" appears in:
Subjects (2)
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Practice Questions (1)
- What was the main influence that led to the development of new political ideologies like fascism and communism in the 20th century?
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