Free Essays on Fascism

Fascism and its Political Ideas Fascism is a form of counter-revolutionary politics that first arose in the early part of the twentieth-century in Europe. It was a response to the rapid social upheaval, the devastation of World War I, and the Bolshevik Revolution. Fascism is a philosophy or a system of government the advocates or exercises a dictatorship of the extreme right, typically through the merging of state and business leadership, together with an ideology of aggressive nationalism. Celebrating the nation or the race as an organic community surpassing all other loyalties. This right-wing philosophy will even advocate violent action to maintain this loyalty which is held in such high regards. Fascism approaches politics in two central areas, populist and elitist. Populist in that it seeks to activate "the people" as a whole against perceived oppressors or enemies and to create a nation of unity. The elitist approach treats as putting the people’s will on one select group, or most often one supreme leader called El Duce, from whom all power proceeds downward. The two most recognized names that go along with Fascism are Italy’s Benito Mussolini and Germany’s Adolf Hitler. The philosophy of Fascism can be traced to the philosophers who argue that the will is prior to and superior to the intellect or reason. George Sorel, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Georg Hegal are main philosophers who’s beliefs and ideologies greatly influenced the shaping of Fascist theory. Sorel (1847-1922) was a French social philosopher who had a major influence on Mussolini. Sorel believed that societies naturally became decadent and disorganized. This decay could only be slowed by the leadership of idealists who were willing to use violence to obtain power. Nietzsche (1844-1900) theorized that there were two moral codes: the ruling class ( master morality) and the oppressed class (slave mor... Free Essays on Fascism Free Essays on Fascism Fascism and its Political Ideas Fascism is a form of counter-revolutionary politics that first arose in the early part of the twentieth-century in Europe. It was a response to the rapid social upheaval, the devastation of World War I, and the Bolshevik Revolution. Fascism is a philosophy or a system of government the advocates or exercises a dictatorship of the extreme right, typically through the merging of state and business leadership, together with an ideology of aggressive nationalism. Celebrating the nation or the race as an organic community surpassing all other loyalties. This right-wing philosophy will even advocate violent action to maintain this loyalty which is held in such high regards. Fascism approaches politics in two central areas, populist and elitist. Populist in that it seeks to activate "the people" as a whole against perceived oppressors or enemies and to create a nation of unity. The elitist approach treats as putting the people’s will on one select group, or most often one supreme leader called El Duce, from whom all power proceeds downward. The two most recognized names that go along with Fascism are Italy’s Benito Mussolini and Germany’s Adolf Hitler. The philosophy of Fascism can be traced to the philosophers who argue that the will is prior to and superior to the intellect or reason. George Sorel, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Georg Hegal are main philosophers who’s beliefs and ideologies greatly influenced the shaping of Fascist theory. Sorel (1847-1922) was a French social philosopher who had a major influence on Mussolini. Sorel believed that societies naturally became decadent and disorganized. This decay could only be slowed by the leadership of idealists who were willing to use violence to obtain power. Nietzsche (1844-1900) theorized that there were two moral codes: the ruling class ( master morality) and the oppressed class (slave mor... Free Essays on Fascism Fascism is looked down upon by most people throughout the world. I personally believe fascism to be an evil approach of control and domination of people. In the anthology titled â€Å"An Introduction to the Politics and Philosophy of Jose Ortega Y Gasset† by Andrew Dobson, Dobson writes an article about Ortega being accused of being a Spanish Fascist. That is a very serious accusation despite the fact that Ortega had written several anti-fascist essays. Dobson writes a few quotes from Ortega that can be accused of Fascist-like remarks, but that is not what Ortega tries to get across. I believe a proper definition of Fascism needs to be stated to show what exactly Fascism is. Fascism is a system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism. One of Ortega’s statements that led to the accusation was â€Å"In a country torn apart by dissentions, force is justified in bringing people together if their prejudices work against ‘historical necessity.’ Against them, the only effective thing is the power of force, grandiose historical surgery.† (p.99) I believe this statement definitely supports a Fascist theme to a degree. On the other hand, Dobson shows an entire letter that was written by Ortega expressing his disgust towards Benito Mussolini and his Fascist ways of government. It is a complete contradiction. Ortega is not attempting to be Fascist at all. When he ma kes comments as shown above, he intends it to rally people together as a country. I agree with Dobson’s interpretation of Ortega’s work. Ortega is simply trying to restore a little morale with his fellow countrymen during World War II. A few years ago, a football coach of mine once said similar things about using force and being brutal, in turn, his remarks inspired my team to go out and win t...