Activity 1: Definitions
Where does the word ‘fascism’ come from?
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‘Fascism’ is a twentieth century term.
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‘Fascism’ was originally the word used to refer to the political movement formed in Italy by Mussolini in 1919.
When and where has fascism grown?
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After World War I (1918 onwards), other fascist movements grew in Europe.
Who were the Nazis?
- The Nazis were the most powerful fascist party in history.
What is Fascism?
- Fascism is a political system and an ideology.
What is politics about?
- Politics is about power
What is a political system?
- A political system is a structure through which people hold and use power.
What is an ideology?
- An ideology is a set of beliefs upon which people base their commitments to political systems.
What are the features of fascist systems?
- Fascist systems are based on total power being held and controlled from the top by one leader ruling a one-party state.
- Fascist systems are ultra-nationalist, anti-communist, anti-socialist, anti-liberal and anti-democratic.
- Fascist systems demand total obedience from the people to the leadership.
- Fascist systems operate by stamping out opponents (ie. any one or any groups who disagree with, disobey or are disliked by the leadership).
- Fascist systems use state brutality and violence to stamp out opposition.
