Fascism; Left or right?

What do you considered fascism?


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Phoenix Rising

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When it comes to the left-right spectrum, there is some disagreement as to where fascism would fit. Fascism is an ideology that was developed by Benito Mussolini in the early 20th century, it was later adopted by other individuals, most notably Adolf Hitler and Francisco Franco. Fascism is far-left when it comes to economics and governmental structure, however many of it's social policies were heavily influenced by religion, which is now commonly referred to as social conservationism.

Benito Mussolini was a high-ranking socialist in the Italian Socialist Party during the 1900s and 1910s. In the beginning of World War I, many Italian socialists were supportive of the war, however as the war progressed, there was a crackdown on civil liberties and anti-war protestors by the government, leading to a divide in the Italian Socialist Party. One side consisted of pro-war socialists, such as Mussolini, and the other side consisted of anti-war socialists. Eventually the anti-war socialists won out and Mussolini was kicked out of the Italian Socialist Party, leading him and other pro-war socialists to create a new political, in which they pursued their own version of socialism. In the years following Mussolini's removal from the Italian Socialist Party, Mussolini's version of socialism evolved into a rather different version of socialism than that of his former party (the Italian Socialist Party).

Some modern socialists are trying to distance themselves from fascism, and claim that fascism was a right-wing ideology, due to religion being a major influence on social issues. However fascism really has nothing to do with neither modern conservatism or early 20th century European conservatism. Early 20th century conservatism was focused primarily around the ideas of capitalism, monarchism, the junkers (aristocracy), and federalism. Fascists were opposed to all of these, following a collectivist and anti-capitalist economic policy, which went against capitalism and the junkers. Fascists were also opposed to monarchism, especially in Italy where Mussolini viewed the monarchy as a threat; and fascists were strong advocates of a centralized unitary state, Hitler himself saw federalism as a threat and made destroying federalism one of his first priorities after passing the Enabling Act.

Fascism has it's roots deeply rooted in socialism, having originally been (and arguably still is) a version of socialism. Fascism advocates for a strong centralized state that follows the socialist policy of collectivization. However, unlike in socialism, most of the money that goes into a fascist state is not redistributed among the working class. Today most fascists consider themselves neither right, nor left-wing, they insist that they represent a "third position" that is opposed to both conservatism/capitalism and socialism/communism. Libertarianism, generally considered a right-wing ideology, and it is the opposite of fascism (economically right-wing and socially left-wing), so following this precedent, fascism would be classified as a left-wing ideology (being economically left-wing and socially right-wing). What would you consider fascism to be; right, left, or something entirely unique?
 
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Voted: neither

IMO, fascism and communism are disguised forms of monarchy/totalitarianism/etc.

The old method of conning people into monarchy was to say the king is descended from deities or has a divine right to rule.

The new method of conning people is telling them if they sacrifice all their freedoms and rights to a state or dictator, they will "wield it for the greater good".

Its all just a petty marketing campaign and scamjob. :LJ:

edit- Sorry, if I didn't quite answer your question, btw.
 
Its certainly influenced by the left. Mussolini had a background in socialism and communism, he's obviously agreed with something in principle, even as a fascist, probably the dictator and cult of personality bit.

Fascism has evolved, the same way (Neo) Nazisim, Communism, and Capitalism has. Most skinheads who consider themselves fascist or nazi with different theories to their "mother theory", and most people who wear business suits but are called fascist are usually grossly capitalist which goes against a fair bit of true fascism.

Every ideology will be different in every country, every country has a different set of circumstances. Example, Ireland has always had socialist or left leaning risings since the 1700s, yet its two Governments (Republic and North) have always been grossly capitalist
The very movement that created the state started ultimately with men who were VERY much influenced by the French Revolution, and in later years, getting direct support from Lenin at one point!

In Germany, there was a national mistrust of democracy, they felt safer in one man ruling, and democracy was forced onto them through the Weimar Republic, as they seen it. This became something important for Hitler to spread his own ideology, it was catered to the German needs.

In my own opinion, "left" and "right" are too narrow for most ideologies and individuals. The left in the US would be considered Centre-right in Europe.
 
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