Benito Mussolini’s Fascism

Thee Points:

Politics: Mussolini states that Fascism is the exact opposite of Socialism/Communism.  This is due to Fascism’s core roots in “holiness and in heroism”.  Additionally, Fascism completely deviates away from the “whole complex system of democratic ideology, and repudiates it, whether in its theoretical premises or in its practical application.”  Also, it refuses to recognize the majority as the main force behind the directing of society.

Economics: The economics of Fascism revolve around the fact that it is the opposite of Communism. The acts of Fascists are not driven by an economic motive.  This also means that materialism is not important.  Additionally, there is a vehement rejection of any ‘class-war’.

Colonization:  Fascism wields a strong desire to expand beyond its own borders and “is an essential manifestation of vitality”.  Mussolini states that their expanding influence will help the aspirations of the people and will join in Italy’s rise “again after many centuries of abasement and foreign servitude.”

Questions:  How did Italy’s fostering of Fascism allow it to spread to other European nations, most notably Germany?  Did Fascism cause concern in other nations and how did they react to it?

Observation:  I found it incredibly interesting that Mussolini was a editor for a socialist newspaper before becoming Fascist, the exact opposite of socialist.