đŸš© Fascism, National Socialism, and Neo-National Socialism

A Comparative Discussion

American Bund Flag

German-American Bund Flag

1. Introduction

Fascism, as an ideology and political system, emerged in the early 20th century, reacting to the perceived threats of socialism, communism, and liberal democracy. It advocated for authoritarian governance, hyper-nationalism, and often a commitment to military expansion. While fascism originally emerged in Italy, its ideas were later adopted and refined by Adolf Hitler in Germany, forming the basis for the National Socialist regime. Following World War II, fascism was discredited, but its core principles found new life in neo-National Socialist and far-right movements in Europe and North America.

This comparative discussion will delve into the origins and rise of early fascism, the distinct nature of National Socialist ideology during World War II, and how these movements have evolved into today’s neo-National Socialist groups. It will explore the similarities and differences in these political ideologies across time, focusing particularly on the political contexts of Germany, Italy, Britain, and the United States, as well as how neo-National Socialism has found new outlets in the digital age.

2. Early Fascism: Origins and Rise

Italy: Benito Mussolini’s Fascism

The rise of fascism began in Italy with Benito Mussolini’s creation of the National Fascist Party in 1919. Italy, which had been disappointed with the outcomes of World War I (the “mutilated victory”), was plagued by economic instability and social unrest. Mussolini capitalized on this discontent by offering a vision of a strong, centralized state that could restore Italy to greatness and combat both the threat of communism and the instability created by the postwar environment.

Key Ideas

Mussolini emphasized that the state was supreme, a view famously encapsulated in the motto: “Everything within the state, nothing outside the state, nothing against the state”. Italian Fascism stressed the need for national unity through the suppression of dissent and the glorification of military might. Unlike National Socialism, early Italian Fascism was less racially focused, instead prioritizing the power and glory of the nation-state.

Rise to Power

Through a combination of paramilitary violence (the Blackshirts) against political opponents and shrewd political maneuvering, Mussolini organized the March on Rome in 1922. This act effectively intimidated King Victor Emmanuel III into appointing Mussolini as Prime Minister. Over the next few years, Mussolini systematically dismantled democratic institutions to establish a totalitarian dictatorship.

Germany: The Rise of National Socialism

National Socialism, or Nazism, emerged in Germany after World War I, largely driven by resentment over the Treaty of Versailles, economic devastation, and political instability during the Weimar Republic. Adolf Hitler joined the German Workers’ Party (DAP), which he later transformed into the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP).

Key Ideas

National Socialism shared fascism's authoritarian and anti-communist traits but was fundamentally defined by its virulent and elaborate racial ideology. It promoted the concept of the Aryan master race and the need for Lebensraum (living space) in Eastern Europe. The centerpiece of National Socialist ideology was anti-Semitism, which demonized the Jewish people as the source of all of Germany’s problems.

Rise to Power

Following the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923, Hitler shifted his focus to gaining power through legal political means. The Great Depression provided the catalyst, as economic hardship led millions to support the National Socialists and their promises of national renewal. Hitler was appointed Chancellor in January 1933. Using the Reichstag Fire as a pretext, he secured the Enabling Act, granting him dictatorial powers and completing the transition to a one-party totalitarian state (the Third Reich).

Britain: The British Union of Fascists (BUF)

Fascist ideas were also present in Britain, most notably in Sir Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists (BUF), founded in 1932. The BUF attempted to blend Italian Fascist and National Socialist themes with a British national identity.

Key Ideas

The BUF advocated for a centralized, authoritarian government and economic nationalism, which they called "Britain First". While initially lacking the virulent racism of the National Socialists, the BUF became increasingly anti-Semitic, particularly after its focus shifted to London’s Jewish East End.

Rise to Power

The BUF gained some initial support, particularly among the upper classes and those disillusioned by economic decline, but it never achieved significant political power. Its rallies often descended into violent clashes, such as the Battle of Cable Street in 1936, which galvanized anti-fascist opposition. The British government banned the BUF during World War II, arresting Mosley and other leaders.

United States: Pre-World War II Fascist Movements

In the United States, several groups embraced National Socialist and fascist ideals. The most prominent was the German American Bund, which openly supported Hitler and National Socialist Germany.

Key Ideas

American fascist groups focused on isolationism, anti-communist fears, and deep-seated anti-Semitism. They promoted the idea that a Jewish conspiracy was controlling international finance and American politics. The Bund famously held a large pro-National Socialist rally at Madison Square Garden in 1939.

3. National Socialist Ideology and World War II

The National Socialist regime leveraged its totalitarian control and racial ideology to wage a war of conquest and annihilation across Europe.

Totalitarian Control

The National Socialists established a political system where the state exercised absolute control over all aspects of life, including the economy, education, culture, and media. The regime used propaganda and mass rallies to maintain popular support and employed the Gestapo and the Schutzstaffel (SS) to suppress all opposition and enforce compliance.

The Shoah–Holocaust

National Socialist racial ideology culminated in the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of approximately six million Jewish people in Europe, an event known as the Shoah or Holocaust. This persecution progressed from discriminatory legislation (like the Nuremberg Laws) to forced concentration in ghettos and, eventually, to the Final Solution, involving mass murder in extermination camps. Millions of other victims were also targeted, including Roma and Sinti people, people with disabilities, and homosexuals.

4. The Post-World War II Period: Fascism in Decline and Neo-National Socialism’s Rise

Following the defeat of the Axis powers, fascist and National Socialist movements were discredited in most of the world. However, their core tenets survived and resurfaced as neo-National Socialism (or Neo-Nazism).

Neo-National Socialism in Europe

In Europe, neo-National Socialist groups emerged, often operating underground due to strict anti-hate laws in countries like Germany and Austria. These movements focus on Holocaust denial, white supremacy, and anti-immigration rhetoric, targeting Muslim, Roma, and Jewish populations.

Neo-National Socialism in the United States

In the United States, neo-National Socialist groups have operated under various names since the postwar era, including the American Nazi Party. They often combine traditional National Socialist symbols and rhetoric with American racial grievances, focusing on promoting white identity and white power through organized rallies and digital media.

5. Contemporary Neo-National Socialism in Europe and North America

In the 21st century, neo-National Socialist groups have adapted to the digital age, using the internet and social media to recruit, organize, and disseminate propaganda.

Neo-National Socialism in Europe Today

Contemporary European groups use coded language and non-traditional symbols to skirt anti-National Socialist legislation. They often align with broader right-wing populist movements, focusing their ideology on anti-immigration and "defense" of European culture from perceived external threats.

Neo-National Socialism in North America Today

In North America, the Alt-Right and related movements have provided a new, digitally sophisticated face for many neo-National Socialist ideas. These groups leverage social media platforms to promote racism, sexism, and anti-immigration sentiment, often targeting young, disillusioned individuals. They have become highly visible through events such as the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017.

6. Comparative Analysis: Past and Present

While classical fascism and National Socialism were centered on a powerful, centralized state and a charismatic leader, modern neo-National Socialist movements are often decentralized and operate largely online.

However, the core ideological pillars remain consistent:

Modern neo-National Socialist groups often repackage these ideas, focusing on concerns such as immigration, globalism, and cultural change.

7. Conclusion

While these movements are not monolithic, their commitment to ultranationalism, racism, and authoritarianism continues to pose a significant threat to democratic institutions and social cohesion worldwide. Understanding the historical roots of these ideologies, and how they have evolved, is essential for combating their modern-day manifestations. By examining the similarities and differences between fascist, National Socialist, and neo-National Socialist movements across time and geography, we can better understand the complexities of these ideologies and develop effective strategies for countering their influence.

Related Guidance (ManyRoads)

References and Further Reading

Alt-America: The Rise of the Radical Right in the Age of Trump. http://googleusercontent.com/youtube_content/0

Credits and Licensing

Compiled by Mark Rabideau, Opa and Professional Genealogist.

All materials licensed: Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License by eirenicon limited liability company.