Fascisterne, as rendered in Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish, refers to members of 20th century European fascist movements. While most associated with Benito Mussolini’s Fascist Italy and Hitler’s Nazi Germany, Fascisterne existed in various forms, each country modifying fundamental fascism to fit regional specifics. Grasping who Fascisterne were requires delving into their ideology and origins, political mechanisms and strategies, as well as their impact on history.
The Origins of Fascisterne
Fascisterne stems from fascism, itself originating from the Italian word fascio, meaning a “bundle” or “a group”. Mussolini appropriated and synergized the term to symbolize strength through unity. It was in Italy where fascism began to take roots, post World War 1, during a period of political, social, and economic turmoil.
Fascisterne were seen as nationalists and upholders of tradition and order, mono-ethnic state ideologies. Focusing on and defending traditional authoritarian systems, they imagined themselves as saviors from the deluge of communism, liberalism, and instable democracies. The years in between 1920s to 1930s witnessed the spread of fascist movements beyond the Italian borders with Germany, Spain, Hungary, Romania, and even Scandinavian countries following suit.
Core Ideology of Fascisterne
The foundational beliefs that Fascisterne adheres to continue to spring from the core tenets of fascism which include the following:
Authoritarianism: Dismissal of democracy in favor of a consolidated government headed by a singular dictator or a single dominating party.
Ultranationalism: Superiority of a singular nation, culture or ethnicity over the rest.
Militarism: State endorsed adoration of warfare, obedience, and devotion to the state.
Anti-Communism: Enmity towards leftist ideologies, particularly socialism, Marxism and the accompanying labor movements.
Propaganda and mass mobilization: Implementation of the mass media, public spectacles, and other forms of controlled propaganda to shape public sentiment and gather support.
Promised restoration of national pride and economic stability along with cultural rejuvenation is what defined Fascisterne, who sought to present themselves as the last hope of a declining nation.
Fascisterne in Italy and Germany
The best known examples of fascisterne stemmed from Nazi Germany and Italy. In Italy, Benito Mussolini’s National Fascist Party came to power in 1922 with the infamous “March on Rome”. As a dictator, Mussolini quelled dissent and exercised rigid control, fortifying the nation’s power and expanding its empire.
In Germany, Adolf Hitler alongside the National Socialist German Workers’ Party or Nazi Party, used Mussolini’s model as a skeleton, but blended in extreme antisemitism alongside racial ideology. The Fascisterne of Nazi Germany were infamously known for committing some of the greatest atrocities in humanity’s history, including the Holocaust as well as World War II.
Both regimes were defeated in 1945 but the damage caused by the Fascisterne persisted far beyond.
Fascisterne in Scandinavia
Fascisterne never succeeded in attaining governmental control within the Scandinavian countries, but smaller political movements did exist within these regions. In Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, supportive and sympathetic fascist parties emerged during the interwar period, frequently adopting pro German or pro Italian stances and supporting authoritarian ideologies.
Denmark: The National Socialist Workers’ Party of Denmark (DNSAP) served as the primary fascist organization within the country. Even though this organization did not gain widespread support, it tried to implement Nazi ideals.
Norway: With the German invasion and occupation of Norway, Nasjonal Samling, a fascist party, headed by Quisling became an active collaborator and supporter of the Nazi occupiers of Norway. Quisling became a symbol of betrayal, of a national ‘hero’ selling his people out, a his name became a byword of treason in his own land.
Sweden: With the exception of a few very small extremist parties, the right and extreme right in Sweden remained politically dormant. Nationalism and anti-communism, unfortunately, remained influential and were dominant in the discourse promoted by the Fasisterne. It is important to note that in these regions, while the Fasisterne were relegated to the fringes of society after the war, they remained politically and historiographically relevant.
The Decline of Fasisterne after WWII
The conclusion of the second world war not only brought fascist regimes to an end, but also resulted in the arrest and prosecution of many members of the Fasisterne. The Nuremberg trials conducted between 1945-1946 sentenced primary Nazi officials, and many fascist parties of Europe were banned or dissolved.
The ideology, however, did not fully cease to exist. Following the war, some of the fascist groups recombined under new labels and increasingly claimed to be ultra-nationalist or far-right. Although these ideologies existed on the margins of politics, they became active and influential in politics during the time of economic downturns or demographic shifts due to mass immigration.
Legacy and Modern References
Even today, the political landscape is shaped by the intricacies left by the Fascisterne, although these influences are more covert, and often repackaged. Fascist symbols and ideologies, as well as language, are heavily incorporated by far-right groups globally. Although most of these groups do not call themselves Fascisterne, they tend to reflect some of the core principles relating to fears of globalization, multiculturalism, and perceived cultural decline.
To unlock the mysteries of authoritarianism, the psychology of mass persuasion, and the allurement of fascism, academics and historians still study the Fascisterne. These scholars owe much of their research towards the protection of democracy and human rights, which acts as a safeguard to such detrimental ideologies.
Why Understanding Fascisterne Matters
The lessons bestowed upon us by the Fascisterne are not so much chapters in a textbook as they are reminders of how close society hangs to losing the remnants of freedom, democracy, and civil society. Understanding the Fascisterne helps us manage and counter the sharp volatility of extreme ideologies as well as propaganda. These lessons also promote overt and transparent values tailored toward a civilized society inhabited by all.
The lessons of the Fascisterne are just as pressing today as the rise of misinformation and divisive politics capture attention. As the notorious maxim goes, when we choose to ignore lessons steeped into the pages of history, we are condemned to repeat the blunders of our predecessors.
Concluding Remarks
The Fascists were much more than mere politicians; they were the living emblem and the epitome of a hateful ideology that inflicted tremendous damage to the human race. From their ascent in European politics after the First World War to their demise in the Second World War, their influence was catastrophic. Nowadays, knowing who the Fascists were aids us in constructing a more prepared, alert, and stout society that strongly opposes the resurgence of tyranny in any guise.
