Totalitarianism and the Rise of Fascist Italy

The Rise of Totalitarianism

After World War I, democratic regimes were formed in many countries, but these democracies were fragile. The crash of 1929 caused people to lose confidence in democracy, leading new parties to gain followers. On the left, communist parties supported by workers and peasants led several uprisings. Meanwhile, the middle and upper classes feared a communist revolution, favoring the birth of fascism and dictatorial regimes to avoid it.

In this atmosphere, a new wave of dictatorships emerged in the 1930s. In these totalitarian regimes, a single party controlled all state powers and aspired to control every aspect of society.

Defining Fascism

Defining a concept as complex as fascism is challenging. The German historian Nolte proposed a "fascist minimum," which outlines conditions a fascist regime must meet. According to Nolte, the main axes of fascism include:

• Antimarxism
• Antiliberalism
• Anticonservatism
• Cult of the leader
• A party army
• Totalitarianism as the final objective

Other relevant characteristics of fascism include militarism, the creation of paramilitary groups, and the exaltation of violence as a way of "purifying the race." These regimes featured a single political party and a monopoly over media and propaganda. Furthermore, nationalism was exalted, and imperialist projects were pursued. Finally, while there was a state-controlled economy in theory, private property continued to exist.

Fascist Italy

Italy After World War I

Many Italians were disappointed because Italy received little territory despite losing 600,000 soldiers. Moreover, the return of troops led to unemployment, and war debts caused significant inflation. This situation triggered social tensions; peasants and workers occupied lands and factories, while the middle and upper classes began to fear a communist revolution. These classes supported Benito Mussolini’s fascists, known as the Blackshirts.

The Fascist Dictatorship

The fascists attacked left-wing and union militants, even assassinating several of them. Meanwhile, the Fascist Party did not win many parliamentary seats in the elections, so they decided to take power by force. The Blackshirts led the March on Rome (1922), and the King of Italy ceded the government to Mussolini.

Mussolini called for elections and won after a campaign of terror against the opposition. He was supported by the grand bourgeoisie, landowners, and members of the middle class. Mussolini accumulated almost unlimited power, banned unions and parties, and imprisoned opponents with the help of a secret police. Simultaneously, he launched an expansionist foreign policy, occupying Ethiopia and Albania and supporting Franco in the Spanish Civil War.