Characteristics of fascism: (during inter-war period)
Strongly nationalistic
Strongly/Violently anti-Communist
Anti-Liberal-democratic
Opposed to international org.
Elitist and Authoritarian (Obedience not discussion Mussolini)
Close identity btw the party and the state
Strongly anti-Semitic
Glorified war (promoted Social Darwinism)
Profoundly racist
Had a paramilitary wing (ie: Blackshirts / S.A.)
Promoted the myth of the race (use victories of the past)
Placed emphasis on the myth of the predestined leader
Made great use of symbolism (ie: swastika)
Did not have a clear doctrinal base
Reasons for the Appeal of Fascism
Fascism was not clearly developed in theory and could appeal to all groups irrespective of status
The emphasis upon law and order was appealing (it was seen as an alternative to social unrest)
People were turning to other forms of Gov. due to immense economic problems.
Weak governments were easy preys for the fascists
The fear of communism led to support for the fascists who were violently anti-Communist
Fascism gave its members a sense of identity
Fascism made great use of the potentials of the newly developed mass media
Traditional parties lacked inspiration and the fascists:
Represented a dynamic alternative
Were not opposed by the Gov. which they sought to bring down