Fascism and Totalitarianism – SS1 Government Lesson Note (First Term)

Fascism is an ideology based on force and total obedience to authority. It began in Italy under Benito Mussolini, supports aggressive nationalism and rejects democracy and the rule of law. Totalitarianism is a form of government in which the government has absolute control of persons, ideas and property. Nazism in Germany and Fascism in Italy are examples.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define fascism, totalitarianism and Nazism;
• state the features of fascism;
• state the features of totalitarianism;
• state the features of Nazism;
• give examples of totalitarian governments.

What is fascism?

Fascism is an ideology based on the concept of force and total obedience to authority. It is regarded as a philosophy, principle and organisation of aggressive nationalist and anti-communist dictatorship.

It started as a movement in Italy in 1922 and came to an end in 1943 under Benito Mussolini. The ideology condemns both capitalism and socialism, rejects peace, democracy and the rule of law, and glorifies war.

Features of fascism

1. Fascism encourages aggressive nationalism.
2. In a Fascist state, the political leader is supreme, respected and even worshipped.
3. The leader makes all laws. Rights and authority are derived from him.
4. The system does not give room for any form of opposition. Where there is opposition, it is usually destroyed by force.
5. The state has absolute control over all aspects of a citizen’s life, for example religion and education.
6. Political participation is reserved for the elite, while the majority are excluded.
7. Fascism rejects popular views, the law of God and religion in general. It seeks to glorify war, which is believed to be the only means to peace.

What is totalitarianism?

Totalitarianism is a form of government that involves absolute control of persons, ideas and property by the government. It is also referred to as authoritarianism. It allows only one political party to exist and control the state.

Under this form of government, the citizens are the property of the state. The mass media and the laws are meant to serve the government. Citizens must obey the rulers at the expense of their fundamental human rights. Examples include the Nazi government in Germany and the Fascist rule in Italy.

Features of totalitarianism

1. There is a supreme authority which controls everything.
2. One dominant political party controls the state, and there is no room for any opposition.
3. Force and brutality are used to rule the masses.
4. The presence of an autocratic government leads to the absence of the rule of law.
5. The government controls the mass media.
6. There is a single ideology and philosophy.

What is Nazism?

Nazism is a type of totalitarianism practised in Germany under Adolf Hitler between 1933 and 1945. It is a political ideology which strongly believes that the German race is superior to the individual.

It also believes in a national being based on the unity of blood. The state has full control over the activities and personal liberties of the citizens, as the leadership is always right.

Features of Nazism

1. The leader is always right and controls all powers of government.
2. There is only one political party: the Nazi party.
3. The leaders of the party were automatically the leaders of the government.
4. The government owns and controls the mass media.
5. Opposition was not allowed, and labour unions and other pressure groups were prohibited.
6. The government controlled the economy centrally.
7. The rule of law and fundamental human rights were not recognised.
8. The use of force and brutality to oppress the people was a major feature of a Nazi government.

Evaluation

1. Define fascism.
2. State four features of fascism.
3. What is totalitarianism? Give two examples of totalitarian governments.
4. Mention four features of totalitarianism.
5. Who led Germany during the Nazi period, and between which years?

Assignment

1. Explain how the treatment of opposition under fascism differs from its treatment under Nazism, using the features in this note.
2. List five features of Nazism.