It is not light that we need, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake.
- Frederick Douglass |
The Inevitable of Fascism
In Aspiration & Dissonance by Jeffrey LaMonica, author Jeffrey LaMonica reveals ideological principles within the 1932 article “The Doctrine of Fascism” in the chapter Fascist Ideology: The Italian Case Study that includes Nationalism, Ethnic Nationalism, Imperialism, Militarism, Pragmatism, and Authoritarian Liberalism. “The Doctrine of Fascism” explored Italian Fascist Ideology and the effects that derive from them. LaMonica expressed that Fascism is “typically associated with sweeping “nefarious terms such as ‘dictatorship’,’ oppression’,’ war’ and ‘genocide’(p.24)”. The Fascist Italian Government had a unique structure due to being formed upon multiple philosophies in the 1920s and 1930s. The tenets mentioned are major factors in the government and serve as evidence, inevitably, fascism will always lead to war and/or genocide. Makowski mentioned, “Nationalism was the fundamental principle of Italian Fascist Ideology and the basis for all other components of Italian Fascism”. It meant civilians would take pride in their nation and advocate for political independence. This concept valued the idea of the state as a combination of all the citizens, government and military combined. “Popular will” represented mostly all decisions in Italy and decisions were made on popular consent. For example, when Fascist Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1935, Mussolini said it was not only the army, but the millions of Italians marching towards the goal of unity. They used weapons such as flame throwers, poisonous gas, and lethal force on the residents. The people in Ethiopia’s homes were destroyed, families were torn apart, people died and much violence occurred; it was justified by Nationalism. Biological supremacy is also derived from Ethnic Nationalism. It gave those in the state xenophobia towards those outsides of the state and solidified the bond of “government decisions, military action and popular will (p.25)”. Liberal societies viewed Italy’s fascist government as manipulative and “scandalous (p.25”. The Italian people interpreted the government's truth as their own and justified their actions based on popular will and the interests of the nation. Imperialism also played a major role in Italian Fascism and the justification of actions. The extension of power and control using force was excessively utilized within the Italian Fascist Government. For example, after invading Ethiopia, Social Darwinist claims were made by Mussolini stating the invasion was bringing “modern civilization” to Africa. Even though it was immensely violent. In addition, Militarism was a major tenet of the Italian Fascist Government. It was fueled by Nationalism as a way to possess power and control over other people or countries. The idea encouraged the need to possess and maintain a strong military to support the country’s interests to justify their power and influence extension on other countries. Militarism also preyed on the younger population and intertwined the motivation to join the military socially and within school organizations in the 1930s. For example, there is a popular hymn expressed to them stating “...that the Balilla will give their hearts to those who stand with them and throw stones at those who oppose them (p.27)”. Militarism’s ideas and values are encouraged to younger people and mainly consider its capabilities and success’ the primary determinant of their worth as well. Another tenet within the Italian Fascist Government that contributes to war is pragmatism. To achieve national goals, incidents were justified that was immoral. The democratic system was criticized during this time and “Pragmatism allowed Mussolini’s government to ally itself with non-fascist seats of power in Italian society such as the Roman Catholic Church, the Italian Nationalist Association, big business, and labor unions…(p.27)”. This gave more power to the government and assisted in many justifications for their actions in a positive manner. Authoritarian Liberalism contributed as well because it intended for strict enforcement on the freedom of civilians and their rights. The Fascist government believed in providing an environment in which civilians can experience their rights and freedom to grow into their potential selves. Although, “The Doctrine of Fascism” claims people are self-centered and subjected to human nature. Therefore, their rights cannot be recognized without a government or authority. “...individual rights and freedoms cannot be realized without a government...to enforce them (p.28)”. Justification for dictatorial measures in the 1920s and 1930s was a toxic ideological principle and gave more room for corruption and oppression. In conclusion, Nationalism, Ethnic Nationalism, Imperialism, Militarism, Pragmatism, and Authoritarian Liberalism tenets perpetuate each other and contribute to the war in their significant ways. Fascist Italy was recognized as a dictatorship and was said to manipulate civilian’s ideologies, rights and freedoms. This government is “...limiting the rights and freedoms of the Italian people (p.29)”. Actions were justified based on nationalist-fueled ideologies and many people died. This led the outside world to view Fascist Italy as oppressors. After considering the tenets explored in “The Doctrine of Fascism” it is inevitable fascism will lead to war and/or genocide because it was a multi-structured and fueled government that encourages nationalist ideologies that fuel Imperialism and Militarism. Which is justified by Pragmatism, Nationalism, and Ethnic Nationalism. It was a violent and destructive empire that eventually fell due to their fall out with Great Britain, France, The Leauge Of Nations, and demise in World War ii amongst the war-provoking tenets previously held in Italy’s Fascist Government.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorMy name is Alexandra Ross and I will be posting all of my assignments on this page. Please feel free to comment and ask questions! Archives
February 2022
Categories
All
|