In recent years, the word fascism has been used in many different ways. Some people have used it to describe government actions or leaders they disagree with. But historically, fascism refers to a very specific kind of political movement that began in Europe between World War I and World War II. Understanding where fascism came from and how it grew helps explain why it was so dangerous, and why it is important to recognize its warning signs.
What is fascism? Fascism is a political system that values the power of the nation or race above individual rights. It is usually led by one strong ruler and built on extreme nationalism, militarism, and control. Fascist governments reject democracy. Instead of free elections and open debate, they rely on force, fear, and propaganda to maintain power. While fascist leaders often promise to help “ordinary people,” their actions usually support wealthy or powerful groups. Key features of fascist rule- Extreme Nationalism: Fascists believe that some groups of people are naturally superior to others. Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party in Germany promoted the idea that “Aryan” Germans were the most superior race. This belief led to the Holocaust, when the Nazis murdered more than eleven million people, including six million Jews and millions of others they considered inferior.
- Cult of Personality: Fascist leaders create a public image of themselves as heroes or saviors. Italy’s leader Benito Mussolini carefully built his image to look powerful and unstoppable. His photograph hung in classrooms and government buildings, and newspapers printed flattering stories about his strength and courage. Mussolini made sure people saw him doing bold, dramatic things, such as riding horses, posing with lions, or standing before cheering crowds. He gave himself the title Il Duce (“the leader”) and expected his followers to treat him almost like a legend. Through constant publicity, loyal rallies, and slogans that praised his greatness, Mussolini encouraged people to believe that he alone could restore their nation’s pride and solve its problems. His public image became so dominant that disagreement was viewed as disloyalty to the country itself.
- Popular Mobilization: Unlike other dictatorships that want people to stay quiet, fascist governments want citizens to actively support them. They organize rallies, parades, and youth groups to stir up excitement and loyalty. Both Mussolini and Hitler used massive public gatherings to make people feel proud and united behind them. Participation in these events was often expected, showing that loyalty to the leader mattered more than personal freedom.
How fascists came to power
The rise of fascism did not happen overnight. Both Mussolini in Italy and Hitler in Germany followed similar paths to power. Historian Robert Paxton described this process in five stages.
- Emerging out of disillusionment: After World War I, many Europeans were angry and hopeless. Germany suffered huge losses and was forced to accept blame for the war and pay reparations under the Treaty of Versailles. Economic problems and unemployment caused frustration. Hitler and Mussolini took advantage of this anger, blaming their countries’ struggles on weak leaders, enemies within, and unfair treaties.
- Establishing political legitimacy: Mussolini and Hitler formed political parties that promised to fix their nations. Mussolini’s Fascist Party organized armed groups called Blackshirts that attacked opponents in the streets. Hitler’s Nazi Party grew rapidly in the 1920s and early 1930s with help from their Brownshirts, who also used violence and intimidation. These armed followers often acted without regard for laws or due process, claiming they were protecting the nation. By targeting critics and spreading fear, they created an environment where violence replaced debate and loyalty replaced law.
- Gaining power through alliances: Conservatives in both countries feared socialism and thought they could control the fascists by partnering with them. In 1933, German leaders invited Hitler to become chancellor, believing they could manage him. Instead, he quickly took over the government completely. Many people underestimated how fast fascist movements could move from promises to power.
- Dominating institutions: Once in office, fascists worked to eliminate opposition. Mussolini banned political rivals and limited freedom of the press, while Hitler removed non-Nazis from government, expelled Jewish teachers and professors, and outlawed other parties. Both leaders used police and military forces to silence critics and spread fear. They also began to describe people who disagreed with them in dehumanizing terms, calling them traitors, parasites, or enemies of the state. Over time, ordinary citizens learned to stay silent rather than risk being targeted. By the mid-1930s, both Italy and Germany had become one-party dictatorships where fear kept people in line.
- Implementing radical reforms: When fascist leaders gained total control, their actions grew even more extreme. Mussolini’s government used violence in its African colonies and spread racist laws banning interracial marriage. Hitler’s Nazi regime went even further, launching the Holocaust and starting World War II in 1939. His rule led to the deaths of millions and the destruction of much of Europe. These examples show how quickly hatred, fear, and unchecked power can destroy entire societies.
Does fascism exist today?
Most historians view fascism as something that happened mainly between World War I and World War II. However, its ideas and strategies can still appear in modern times. Leaders today might copy parts of the fascist “playbook” by spreading fear, attacking the press, or treating critics as enemies instead of citizens. Even if a country does not go through all five stages, some may still show warning signs such as extreme nationalism, disrespect for democratic institutions, or using violence to silence opposition.
Why understanding fascism matters
Learning how fascism rose to power helps people recognize the dangers of intolerance and the abuse of power. Fascism grew when people felt angry, fearful, and hopeless, and when leaders used those feelings to divide their nations. Democracies stay strong only when citizens understand history, question authority, and protect the freedoms that fascism tries to destroy. By paying attention to patterns from the past, people can better defend democracy in the present.