Fascism in Italy• How did conditions in Italy favor

the rise of Mussolini?• How did Mussolini reshape Italy?• What were the values and goals

of fascist ideology?

The Fasces SymbolThe Fasces Symbol• In ancient Rome,

the fasces were cylindrical bundles of wooden rods, tied tightly together around an axe.

• Symbolizes unity and power.

Characteristics of Fascism

Ideology• A form of extreme right-wing

ideology• Celebrates the nation or the

race over all other loyalties.

Ideology•Powerful nationalism

–Patriotic slogans, symbols, songs,

• Italian propaganda poster featuring a woman kissing the RSI flag.

"Italy finally has its empire"!

http://www.comandosupremo.com/Propaganda2.html

Subordination to the StateSubordination to the State• All aspects of society to its

vision of community • Uses organized violence to

suppress opposition. Glorification of force. Accepts the tenets of Social

Darwinism. Is anti-democratic.

"Everything and everyone for victory".

Cult of State WorshipCult of State Worship• The individual

had no significance except as a member of the state.

Cult of State WorshipCult of State Worship• The fascists

were taught– Credere!

[believe]– Obbedire!

[obey]– Combattere!

[fight]

One for all, all for the Duce.

The Oath reads : 'In the name of God I swear to execute the Duce's orders and to serve with all my force, and if necessary with my blood, the Fascist Revolution'.

The Myth of Rebirth• National or racial rebirth• “spiritual revolution” against signs

of moral decay • Purge “alien” forces and groups that

threaten the community.

• "Brothers of Italy, Italy has arisen. The spirit of Goffredo Mameli will defend the Republic!"

MilitarismMilitarism

“The function of a citizen and a soldier are inseparable.”

Rampant Sexism• Mostly male-

dominated• Traditional gender

roles• The state ultimate

guardian of the family institution.

Detailed knitting instructions.

Italian women are urged to knit and sew

for their men at the front.

Identification of Enemies or Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause

• Unified over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe.

Identification of Enemies or Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause

• Could be racial, ethnic, a religious minority, liberals, communists, etc.

Jews Are the Enemy!

Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights

• People are persuaded that human rights can be ignored out of “need” for fear of enemies and the need for security

Religion & Government Intertwined

• Use religion to manipulate public opinion.

Religion & Government Intertwined

• Meld religious rhetoric, symbolism, mythology, etc., into their policies

Disdain for Intellectuals & for the Disdain for Intellectuals & for the ArtsArts

• Open hostility to higher education and

• Professors and other academics are censored or arrested.

• Free expression in the arts and letters is openly attacked.

Rampant Cronyism & Corruption

• Governed by groups of friends and associates

Rampant Cronyism & Corruption

• National resources and treasures given to or stolen by government leaders.

Fraudulent Elections• Elections can be

complete fakes• Smear

campaigns

Fraudulent Elections• Assassination of

opposition candidates

• Use of legislation to control who can vote.

Controlled Mass Media

A propaganda magazine designed for young Fascists and featuring stories and cartoons praising the regime.

Monthly publication on educational issues, with illustrations and advertisements.

The present number touts Fascist efforts on behalf of needy mothers and children.

A monthly publication praising the public works program of the Fascist

regime, ranging from archeology

to railroads.

Weekly propaganda magazine for young

people, intended to spark their interest in flying and

to call attention to the prowess of Italian pilots.

Labor Power is Suppressed; Corporate Power is Protected

• Organizing power of labor is a threat • Rich often put the government

leaders into power.– Mutually beneficial

business/government relationship and power elite! (corporate state)

Characteristics of Fascism • Labor Power is

Suppressed• Corporate Power is

Protected• Disdain for Disdain for

Intellectuals Intellectuals • Distain for the ArtsDistain for the Arts• Disdain for Human

Rights• MilitarismMilitarism• Subordination to the Subordination to the

StateState

• Controlled Mass Media• Fraudulent Elections• Rampant Cronyism &

Corruption• Religion & Government

Intertwined• Identification of Enemies or

Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause

• Cult of State WorshipCult of State Worship