Fascism is a political ideology that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily in Europe, as a response to rapid social upheaval, the devastation of World War I, and the perceived threat of revolutionary socialism. It is characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy. Fascism rejects assertions of violence as automatically negative in nature and views political violence, war, and imperialism as means that can achieve national rejuvenation.
Fascism emphasizes direct action, including supporting the legitimacy of political violence, as a core part of its politics. It views violence as a fact of life that is a necessary means to achieve its goals. Fascists advocate a mixed economy, with the principal goal of achieving autarky to secure national self-sufficiency and independence, through protectionist and interventionist economic policies.
The origins of fascism are tied to the upheaval in Europe following World War I. The devastation of the war, coupled with the Russian Revolution, led many to fear the spread of socialist revolution. In Italy, Benito Mussolini capitalized on these fears and established the first fascist regime in 1922, promising stability, order, and national pride. His government suppressed political dissent, controlled the media, and promoted fascist ideology through propaganda.
Fascism also rose to prominence in Germany, where Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party came to power in 1933. Hitler's brand of fascism, known as Nazism, incorporated racist and anti-Semitic ideology, and led to the genocide of six million Jews during the Holocaust. The aggressive expansionist policies of both Mussolini and Hitler led to World War II.
Fascism is often seen as an extreme-right political ideology, due to its authoritarian nature and its opposition to liberal democracy and socialism. However, it has also been described as a radical centrist ideology, due to its desire to transcend class conflict and its incorporation of both right-wing and left-wing policies. Despite its historical association with Europe, elements of fascism have appeared in various countries around the world, often during times of crisis or instability.
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