Fascism

Historically, fascism is of Italian origin, where it arose as a result if the World War I and its effects on Italy. Italy joined the Anglo-French- American Allies in the World War I (1914-18) in the hope of being allotted by them colonies and dependencies in Africa, Albania and Asia. But her hopes were dashed to pieces by the Allies at the Paris Peace Conference, where she was given no colony. It created feeling of sharp resentment and [frustration in Italy.

The after-effects of the war produced social, economic tind political crises, such as growing unemployment, inflation, corruption in industry and government, strikes and lock-outs. Communism, recently I victorious in Russia, began to spread among Italian workers and the bogey t of Bolshevism frightened the capitalist and middle classes of Italy. The war- 1 weary soldiers returning home found no work and wages. The Italian I parliamentary system became corrupt, inefficient and impotent to provide a firm and strong government in the country. Indeed, the politicians and ruling parties were interested only in making money through politics. These conditions of social, economic and political disorder and discontent enabled I Benito Mussolini and his Fascist Party of Direct Action to capture political I power in Italy. Mussolini organised the “armed bands”, called the Fascio di

Combattimento — to smash the heads of the striking workers, raid Communist meetings and press, and kill the political opponents of Fascism. Finally, Mussolini captured power in Rome in October 1922, when his S Fascist volunteers “marched on Rome”. The Italian King invited Mussolini from Milan where he had hid himself and appointed him as the Prime Minister of Italy. Two years later, in January 1925, he destroyed the constitutional parliamentary system of government and established the Fascist State in Italy. In 1929, the King became a nominal ruler, while all powers passed into the hand of the Duce — the Leader, as Mussolini was I styled. Thus Fascism was established in Italy.

The term ‘fascism’ is derived from the Italian word “fascio” which means a “band” or “group”. This word is really derived from the Latin word “fasces” which meant the “bundle of sticks and an axe” which was thr symbol of political authority of the ancient rulers of Rome. The memorial of the Imperium Ramanum — the ancient Roman Empire was always so dear to the Fascist heart. An aggressive nationalism and imperialism are the real meanings Fascism.

 

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