World History

WORLD HISTORY

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In today 's post world was world , the term fascism is used with a pejorative undertone and is often used when discrediting a political opponent . Taking a look back through the 20th century reveals an era filled with fascists . Due to the immense powers that such leaders wielded , they left long lasting marks not only in their countries but also in the world and are a common point of reference in history . Of the fascists that reigned in the 20th century

, were more notable that Adolf Hitler of Germany Benito Mussolini of Italy and Francisco Franco of Spain . A close comparison of the three leaders indicates that they espoused the same ideals for their countries . They were dictatorial and brutal in their leadership , and their respective countries were put on the world map by the values that they held and the efforts they employed to advance them

A look at the background of the term fascism reveals that it owes its origin to Benito Mussolini . According to him , it is an ideology that emphasizes the centrality of the state and opposed to any notion that individual needs can supersede that of a state . In a breath , fascism stands in dialectical opposition to democracy , communism and individualism

Fascism is usually characterized by a strong dictatorial ruler that builds a strong cult around himself . These leaders espouse extreme nationalism and statism . The state controls arms of the government and all aspects of people 's lifestyles ranging from political , cultural as well as the economy . They advance these controls through the use of one party system and a specially trained militia to ensure everybody tows the line . In a fascism , citizens are expected to revere and have unquestioned obedience . These leaders are highly idealistic and a populist , enjoying effectively the tools of propaganda and usually seem to exalt one group of people or state above . others and promise to restore past good times . A look at three leaders reveals this

One notable element of fascism in the 20th century is the use of propaganda , a tool that was appropriately used by Franco , Mussolini and Hitler

To subjugate Italians and coalesce their support and undivided loyalty Mussolini employed the use propaganda . News and all public meetings and speeches were carefully crafted to create an illusion that Mussolini was popular and that fascism had been embraced and had taken over liberal democracy . Mussolini like his counterparts Hitler and Franco employed populism . Notable is a move where Mussolini was baptized into Catholicism to woo Catholics that had for long been opposed to his leadership especially in the wake of his taking away of the Vatican properties . Journalists were personally approved by Mussolini and learning institutions were supposed to oath and proclaim the love for fascism . Like all other populists , Mussolini was highly publicizing huge projects that had taken up large amounts of public money . This was to create a notion that Italy was competing at an equal footing...