History 12

Rachel McMillan

UNIT FOUR
What is Fascism?

1. What are Mussolini's thoughts on peace?

Mussolini "believes neither in the possibility nor the utility of perpetual peace," as he
believes that "war alone brings [a country] up to its highestenergy." Essentially,
Mussolini believes that a nation is only its strongest and most productive during war
time, and therefore, that peace would be counterproductive to such vitality.
2. What is the fascist view of life?
By Mussolini's definition, "the Fascist accepts life and loves it," as life is thought of as
"dutystruggle, and conquest." Ultimately though, Fascists believe that life is "above all,
for others."
3. According to Mussolini, how does Marxian Socialism explain the history of human
civilization?
Marxian Socialism explains the history of human civilization simply through the
conflict of interests among various social groups and by the development [of a country]
in the means ofproduction.
4. If actions are influenced by an economic motive according to Marxian Socialism, what
influences Fascism?
If actions are influenced by economic motive according to Marxian Socialism, and
Fascism is viewed as the complete opposite ofMarxian Socialism, actions are in no
way influenced by economic motive according to Fascism. Instead, Fascism is influenced
by holiness and heroism.
5. How does Mussolini describe inequality?
While Marxian Socialism embraces and promotes equality, Fascism believes true
equality to be unachievable, due to the fact that mankind can "never be permanently
leveled." However, Mussolini views such inequality as "immutable, beneficial, and
fruitful" for society or a country.
6. According to Mussolini, what are the three untruths of Democracy?
In relation to democracy, Mussolini and Fascist politicians believe political equality
happiness, and indefinite progress to be absurd conventional [untruths].

History 12

Rachel McMillan

7. Given that the nineteenth century was a century of Socialism, Liberalism and Democracy,
the twentieth century should be a century of
As the nineteenth century was seen as the century of Socialism, Liberalism and of
Democracy, as well as a century of individualism, it may be expected that the
twentieth century will be [a] century of collectivism, and therefore, a century of
authorityof the State [and] of Fascism.
8. What is the role of the individual in a Fascist State?
As the foundation of Fascism is the conception of the State, individuals are only to be
conceived of in their relation to the [Fascist] State. While the State leaves a sufficient
margin of liberty to the individual, individuals are deprived of all useless and possibly
harmful freedom. The deciding power in the question of which freedoms are essential
can be held by the State alone, according to Fascism.
9. If the Liberal State is a force limited to the function of recording results, then the Fascist
State is
While the Liberal State is merely a force limited to the function of recording results,
the Fascist State is regarded as conscious, with a will and a personality. In this way,
according to Mussolini, the Fascist State may be regarded as the Ethic State.
10. How does Mussolini justify the severe measures taken against those who oppose the
State?
The necessarily severe measures which are taken under Fascist Rule against those who
oppose the State are justified by Mussolini as it is believed that the peoples who are
rising may threaten the movement of Italy in the twentieth century. Essentially, as an
empire demands discipline, those who oppose the State will hinder its progression.
11. According to Mussolini, the Fascist State allows the individual to retain essential
liberties, but deprives him of all useless and possibly harmful freedom. What types of
freedoms might Mussolini have considered to be harmful and why?
Individual freedoms which would be considered harmful by Mussolini would be those
which had the potential to threaten the influence and command of the Fascist State over
the Italian population or Mussolinis personal power. Examples of such harmful freedoms
include the freedom of speech or the freedom of the press, as these freedoms provide
citizens with an opportunity to promote ideologies which oppose Fascism. Another
example of a harmful freedom, as viewed by Mussolini, would be the freedom to vote. As
clearly stated by Mussolini, it is believed that the majority is incapable of [directing]
human society. Furthermore, providing citizens with the freedom to vote may result in a
loss of power for Mussolini.