In “What is Fascism” Benito Mussolini states his beliefs in the benefits of a fascist government, and argues why it would be fitting for Italy. Fascism, he argues, is quite different from democracy because it emphasizes sacrifice and struggle, and acknowledges that mankind is naturally unequal. Fascism does not follow the opinions of the majority, but promotes authoritarian leadership. Mussolini then argued that Italy was more in need of an authoritarian figure than ever before, and that fascism would provide the stability that had been lacking throughout the early 1900s.
While Mussolini argued that Italian society should perceive life as a struggle to give back to the country, the majority did not have any control over human society. It seems as though ruling with an iron fist was the only way that Mussolini felt that that Italy would regain balance, even if it meant sacrificing the contentment of society. He argues, “The Fascist State organizes the nation, but leaves a sufficient margin of liberty to the individual,” however, he goes on to state that much of the freedom that individuals could potentially have would be “harmful.” In this way, Mussolini portrays a lack of freedom as ultimately beneficial to the state, even if it meant the exact opposite.
How do Mussolini’s ideas about Italian society making sacrifices for the state relate to the eugenics movement?
This is a well written blog post. You’re summary gives the reader a good perception of what Mussolini wanted to happen to Italy at the time. I think your analysis is strong and clear. I’m not sure how similar Mussolini’s ideas relate to the eugenics movement, since Mussolini thought that life was worth living for others and that it relies more on the foundation of the state rather than the individual person.
I disagree with the post above me. Mussolini publicly supported the Eugenics movement. After all, everything was supposed to be for the benefit of the state and those considered too “degenerate” to do so were considered to be degrading the state and thus, Eugenics. In addition, fascism believes inequality is inherent and that nothing should be done about it because progress isn’t going to come from the masses.
I agree with the post above. We can also see this in the way the fascism appeals to the lower middle class man, idealizing his productivity and commitment to his family, and by extension, the state. The “rest”, ranging from homosexuals to Jews, or anyone who might fall under the frighteningly vague category of “subversive”, faces extermination.