Key Word:Fascism: an extreme form of nationalism

that emphasizes conformity [sameness] and militarism, usually with a dictator in charge who has total power.

Earlier in the year, we referred to nationalism as the “belief that a group of people with a common identity should get their own country.” However, along with that belief comes many others. In the case of fascists, who are extreme nationalists, they added many other ideas to nationalism:

  that the nation/country is more important than the individual

that their nation/country is superior to all others

  that their nation/country needs to be religiously/ethnically/politically homogenous (the same)

  that their nation/country needs to have a strong military to protect the “homeland”

The term fascism comes from the word fasces, which is an axe that has a number of sticks bundled around the handle – individually, each stick may be broken, but bound together, they are stronger. Therefore, fascists were very focused on trying to create a sense of unity in their countries. In other words, everyone had to think and act the same way. When a government is consciously trying to manipulate and force it citizens to think the same way, it is called indoctrination.

Techniques of Indoctrination a. Propaganda: we’ve discussed propaganda before in class. This is when the government is trying to spread around information that is meant to influence how you think or act. Propaganda posters are a good example of this, as they communicated fascist policies and slogans in an easy to understand way:

Techniques of Indoctrination b. Censorship: censorship is when the government blocks access to certain kinds of information. In a fascist state, no bad news about the government or leader would be allowed to be published. The government would own and censor newspapers, radio, and television. For example, the Nazis manufactured free radios for the population that would only pick up fascist radio stations, so they could continually broadcast their beliefs into people’s homes, and make sure that alternative views were inaccessible.

The “Volksempfänger,” or “People’s Radio”

Techniques of Indoctrination c. “Cult” of the Leader: In a fascist state, the leader was often put forward as a figure to be worshipped like a God. For example, look at the religious imagery in the poster of Adolf Hitler below:

Techniques of Indoctrination d. Control of Education: fascists also controlled what was taught in school and how. Fascists knew that controlling the youth was important in developing loyal followers. For example, the Nazis created an organization called the “Hitler Youth,” which drilled the teachings of the Nazis into young minds. All teachers had to be approved by the Nazis. All the subjects were taught in a way that glorified Germany.

“I swear to devote all my energies and my strength to the savior of our country, Adolf Hitler. I am willing and ready to give up my life for him, so help me God. Adolf Hitler, you are our great Führer (leader). Thy name makes the enemy tremble. Let us hear daily thy voice and order us by thy leadership, for we will obey to the end and even with our lives. We praise thee! Hail Hitler!"

Pledge that children were required to recite when they joined the “Hitler Youth,” 1929