WHY IS FASCISM RIGHT WING

Intro to Fascism: Ideological Roots and Distinctions Between Left and Right

Fascism’s origins and ideological makeup remain hotly debated, particularly regarding whether it falls within the left or right of the political spectrum. This confusion often arises from deliberate efforts by right-wing proponents to portray fascism as a left-wing phenomenon, while socialists and other left wing people distance themselves from any association with it and academics in general back this up. 

However, a closer examination reveals that fascism is fundamentally a right-wing ideology rooted in conservative principles, distinct from socialism (as umbrella term of left) ideas. Conservatism, is the most right wing of the main 3 political ideologies and is the foundation of fascist ideology in both government style and in social values.

Fascism bore none of the core definitions of socialism at least up until WWI . Notwithstanding Germanies Otto von Bismarck’s  seeing socialism’s rising appeal among workers as a threat to German stability, he introduced welfare measures in the 1880s like health insurance, accident insurance, and old-age pensions. His aim was to reduce revolutionary sentiment by improving workers' conditions, hoping to secure their loyalty to the state rather than socialism. Fascism arrived straight after with Mussolini's and Hitler's fascist parties forming in 1919. Unlike socialism, which aims to eliminate class distinctions, fascism co-opted class structures to serve its own goals, allowing private ownership while subordinating it to state priorities in building the nation. This hierarchical structure directly contrasts with leftist ideologies, which seek to abolish or diminish social hierarchies and nationalism. Fascism’s primary commitment is not economic theory but rather preserving the state and national unity above all else.

Mussolini began his political career as a committed socialist and even served as a member of the Italian Socialist Party (PSI) in the early 1910s, where he advocated for anti-imperialism and class struggle. His support for Italy's intervention in World War I, however, clashed with the party's anti-war stance, leading to his expulsion from the PSI in 1914. Following this, Mussolini began to develop a new political ideology that blended nationalism with authoritarianism, ultimately founding the Italian Fascist Party in 1919, which appealed to war veterans and nationalist sentiments. Meanwhile, the precursor to the Nazi Party, the German Workers' Party (DAP), was founded in 1919. Hitler joined it later that year, eventually taking control and renaming it the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) in 1920, shaping it into a vehicle for his own fascist ambitions.

In 1923, inspired by Mussolini's successful March on Rome coup in 1922, Adolf Hitler attempted a similar takeover with the Beer Hall Putsch in Munich, aiming to seize control of the Weimar government. The coup failed, resulting in Hitler’s imprisonment, during which he wrote Mein Kampf, outlining his ideology and political goals.

Fascism can be catergorised into three parts of which only one is contested in the left v right definition of fascism:

1. Conservative Government and Social Values: 

2. Rebuilding a "Once Great Empire" Nation.

3. Third Way Economics: 

1) FASCISMS CONSERVATIVE BASE

Human Nature.

Conservative thought views human nature of individuals as inherently self-centered and flawed , not rational and unable to reason, thus requiring an authoritarian state to maintain social order and prevent societal breakdown .

Fascism as Anti-Enlightenment and Anti-Liberal
Fascism opposed core liberal values like individual rights and democratic governance. Unlike liberalism, which assumes people have innate rights, fascism rejects this notion. Giovanni Gentile, a primary philosopher of Italian fascism, argued that the state should absorb the individual entirely, where people’s rights are "realized" only through the state's interests, not as independent entities (Gregor, Giovanni Gentile). This philosophy reversed the liberal idea that the state exists to serve the people. Instead, individuals existed to serve the state and fulfill its nationalistic goals.

Hierarchical and Authoritarian Nature

Fascism upholds a rigid hierarchy, and Mussolini famously declared that "Fascism is not for export." He saw it as specifically suited to the Italian spirit but emphasized the need for strong leadership and authoritarian governance to enforce national unity. 

Mussolini and Hitler both turned to authoritarianism ,partly because they saw prevailing systems as to weak to achieve national renewal. Mussolini, originally  a socialist, grew disillusioned with socialism's perceived incapacity to mobilise Italians for a true revolution. e believed socialism's internationalist focus and democratic inclinations were to compromising and lacked the unifying, nationalistic zeal necessary to overcome Italy's social and political  divides. Fascism, with its promise of strong,  centralised authority, offered the revolutionary strength he thought socialism failed to deliver.

Similarly, Hitler saw the democratic Weimar Republic as ineffective and unable to defend Germany’s interests, especially after the humiliating terms of the Treaty of Versailles. He blamed the Republic's political instability and democratic checks on authority for Germany's inability to secure better terms and regain national pride. Hitler’s vision for a new Germany required an authoritarian government that could consolidate power, unify the people, and restore the nation’s sovereignty without the “weakness” of parliamentary debate. Both leaders found in authoritarianism a way to mobilize their nations toward aggressive transformation, subordinating individual rights to the state’s goals for national strength and unity.

Social Conservatism
Fascism adopted many socially conservative stances, emphasizing “traditional” roles for women and family values, often with the support of conservative religious institutions. Nazi ideology, for example, emphasized women's role in childbearing to ensure the continuation of a "pure" Aryan race. This rhetoric aligned with fascism's broader goal of maintaining national unity through racial and cultural homogeneity.

Fascism also aligns with conservatism in its social agenda, emphasizing traditional values, national unity, and the suppression of liberal movements for gender or sexual freedom. In Nazi Germany, for instance, policies restricted women to roles of motherhood and household duties, promoting an idealized family unit as the foundation of the nation. These policies underscored fascism’s commitment to social values seen as pre-liberal, including opposition to LGBTQ rights, a disdain for multiculturalism, and an adherence to rigid family structures. Hitler particularly lead and based his ideology around racism and superiority of Aryan “race”, while Mussolini was not initially racist he eventually copied Hitler.

Fascism’s Ideological Flexibility for State Power Given in 2 Quotes :

• Mussolini on State Power: “The keystone of Fascist doctrine is its conception of the State, of its essence, its functions, and its aims. For Fascism, the State is absolute, individuals and groups relative” (The Doctrine of Fascism, 1932).

• Hitler on National Unity Over Class Conflict: “The movement must represent the interests of all classes and regions… it must realize the ideals of the Volksgemeinschaft [national community]” (Mein Kampf, 1925).

2) BLOOD AND SOIL

Fascism, unlike conservatism or mere authoritarianism, is defined by a vision of societal transformation rooted in an idealized unity of "blood and soil." This ideology is built on the belief that the nation was once a great empire bound by the blood of its people—ancestry, strength, and warrior heritage—and the soil of its homeland. Fascists believe that to restore this "lost greatness," society must embrace a singular, powerful leader who embodies the nation's spirit and demands unwavering loyalty, uniting the people through shared heritage and purpose.

The nation was what was important. Their nationalism is the prime principle , overriding all other traditional, concerns, moral or political concerns.  

Mussolini said; "for us the nation is not just a territory, but something spiritual" and  "our myth is the nation, our myth is the greatness of the nation ! And to this myth, this greatness, which we want to translate into a total reality, we subordinate everything else" . and "And even if the course of the two revolutions has not been the same, the objective which both wanted to achieve, and have achieved , is the same : the unity and greatness of the people" and "The nation is great when it translates into reality the force of its spirit". Mussolini believed Hegels idea that "The state is the Idea of spirit in eternal manifestation of human Will and its Freedom". ie you need a strong state to drive the nation forward and a state is strong when "the private interests of its citizens is one with the common interest of the state".  "When the state attains this harmonious condition marks the period of its bloom , its virtue, its vigor, and its prosperity" . "The foundation of Fascism is the conception of the State, its character its duty, its aim"

1. Strong Leader as Embodiment of the Nation.
In fascist ideology, the leader does not just govern; they are seen as the living embodiment of the national spirit. Unlike conservative authoritarianism, which may respect institutions and social hierarchies, fascism places the leader at the core of society’s rebirth. This strongman figure claims the authority to redefine the nation’s identity, asserting that they alone can restore it to greatness. Fascists reject democracy as it diffuses power, seeing it as a threat to national unity. Here, society is not divided by different voices but united under a leader who speaks as the “voice of the people.”

2. Mobilization of Rage Against Cultural Elites
Fascism stirs resentment against perceived cultural elites, presenting them as enemies of the people. Unlike authoritarian systems that may rely on elite support, fascists seek to incite popular anger against these figures, often framing them as corrupt, foreign, or decadent. By casting these elites as betrayers of the nation, fascism channels anger outward and unites citizens in common struggle. This hostility serves to distract from societal inequalities and directs public attention toward a struggle for purity and unity.

3. Nationalism Based on Superiority
While conservative nationalism often emphasizes love for one’s country, fascist nationalism is rooted in a sense of racial, ethnic, or cultural superiority. Fascists believe the nation is inherently superior due to its unique heritage, tradition, and history, and that the “true” citizens of the nation are bound by blood and ancestry. This racial or ethnic focus implies a vision of purity that fascism aggressively enforces, often promoting ideas of ethnic cleansing or violent suppression of “foreign” elements to maintain its ideal of national integrity.

4. Glorification of Strength and Social Darwinism
Fascism glorifies physical and moral strength, advancing a social Darwinist perspective that justifies violence as a means of societal “purification.” In this worldview, war is not just for defense but is seen as a moral duty that strengthens the nation by eliminating the weak. Unlike conservative views on stability, fascism encourages constant struggle, viewing it as a form of purification. Those who emerge victorious are celebrated as part of the superior race, while the weak are deemed expendable or enemies.

5. Emphasis on Male Dominance and Traditional Gender Roles
Fascism envisions society around hyper-masculine ideals, elevating the male warrior as the archetype of the nation. Women are expected to serve as subservient supporters, reinforcing traditional gender roles that prioritize male dominance and control. Any challenge to this model—whether from feminist movements or LGBTQ+ rights—is considered a threat to the “natural” social order and must be eradicated. This gender hierarchy distinguishes fascism from general conservatism by imposing a strict, militaristic view of traditional roles.

6. Subordination to the State
Fascist leaders like Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler built on this conservative distrust of human nature to argue that individual freedoms should be subordinate to the state’s needs. Mussolini’s concept of the Stato Etico (Ethical State) placed the state above the individual, encapsulated in his assertion that “The State is absolute; individuals and groups are relative” (The Doctrine of Fascism, 1932). In this view, personal freedoms are sacrificed to achieve a unified national community, with the state enforcing strict social values.

Hitler’s regime provides an example of extreme subordination, where the Führerprinzip ("leader principle") required complete obedience to Hitler's directives, often with a fanatical allegiance that extended to all areas of life. Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” stated, “The state is a means to an end. Its end lies in the preservation and advancement of a community of physically and psychically homogenous creatures” (Mein Kampf, 1925). This emphasis on unity and state control was also evident in Mussolini’s concept of totalitarianism—“Everything within the state, nothing outside the state, nothing against the state.”

In essence, fascism creates an exclusionary, intensely hierarchical vision of society built on ideals of racial purity, ancestral ties, and glorified aggression. By invoking myths of a "once-great" past bound by blood and soil, it seeks to unify society through a shared destiny that is often violent and oppressive.

The central core of building the nation and everything is subservient to that , including all the other elements of conservatism and third wayism economics. This is well articulated in Ryan Chapmans video ; FASCISM: An In-Depth Explanation  

A few commentors said NAZIsm wasnt fascism so Ryan answered those in this video Hitlers Germany wasnt Fascist ? to which commentors then said but fascism was socialism , to which he replied NO it wasnt in a pinned comment under the video . Its too long to post here but click on previous mentioned video link.

Central to this conflict is did fascism reduce or expand private ownership of the means of production. this will be explained later when time permits. In the meantime here's explanations of 2 core ideologies of fascism economics that also confuse people -corporatism and its syndicalism that will explain why its right wing."

3) FASCISMS THIRD WAYISM - ANTI SOCIALIST ECONOMICS

Both Mussolini and Hitler pursued military expansion and revival of past empires - the Roman Empire for Mussolini and the German Empire for Hitler's envisioned "Third Reich" , as solutions to economic and political challenges . Mussolini believed that expanding Italys territory , especially in Africa, would provide resources, land for settlers, and enhance Italy's self-sufficiency, fueling national pride by Reviving Romes imperial glory. 

For Hitler, the concept of Lebensraum (“living space”) justified seizing Eastern European territories to secure agricultural land and resources essential for Germany’s autarky. The Treaty of Versailles had left Germany economically weakened and territorially restricted, and Hitler’s aggressive expansion aimed to reverse this, restoring Germany’s power and self-sufficiency. Both leaders viewed military conquests not only as ways to reclaim past greatness but as practical means of solving unemployment and stabilizing their economies through resource extraction, mobilization, and industrial expansion driven by wartime production 

1) CORPORATISM as a Third-Way Economic Doctrine

Corporatism, rooted in traditionalist and sometimes Catholic social thought, emerged as an alternative to both free-market capitalism and revolutionary socialism. Its core idea is the organization of the economy into corporative or sector-based bodies that integrate workers, employers, and sometimes state representatives within industry-specific associations or "corporations." These entities are tasked with regulating the industry, resolving conflicts, and pursuing the common good over individual profit.

Origins and Theoretical Foundations

The philosophical origins of corporatism trace back to medieval guild structures, where trades were regulated by guilds that maintained standards, set prices, and ensured the welfare of members. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, corporatism developed into a political-economic doctrine advocated by thinkers like Heinrich Pesch, a Catholic social theorist, and Gabriele D’Annunzio in Italy. Pesch, for instance, developed the concept of a "solidarist" economy based on Catholic social teaching, advocating for class collaboration and social harmony through industry-specific corporative organizations. This “third way” sought to harmonize society by creating systems where capital and labor would collaborate under a higher authority to maintain stability and reduce class conflict.

Corporatism under Fascism: Italy and Germany

Corporatism became central to fascist economies, particularly in Mussolini’s Italy and Hitler’s Germany, though with different implementations:

1. Italian Fascism "fascismo" and the Corporative State: Under Mussolini, corporatism aimed to unify the economy through the Carta del Lavoro (1927), establishing that all economic activities were to be organized into syndicates representing different sectors (e.g., agriculture, industry, and commerce). These syndicates included both labor and management under government oversight and were designed to eliminate class conflict and maintain productivity for national goals. Italian corporatism positioned the state as a mediator and final arbiter, with syndicates possessing some autonomy to negotiate wages and labor conditions. Mussolini envisioned these corporative bodies as restoring Italy’s "organic" social harmony, reducing the need for parliamentary democracy, which he deemed ineffective.

2. Nazi Germany and State-Controlled Corporatism: In Nazi Germany, corporatism took on a more authoritarian and nationalistic form, structured less around harmonious collaboration and more as a vehicle for the state to control economic output. The Reich Economic Chambers were established to oversee industries, but these chambers were not genuine mediating bodies. Instead, they were state-controlled organizations through which the Nazi regime directed industry according to its goals, primarily rearmament and war preparation. Unlike the Italian model, Nazi corporatism eliminated independent labor representation, replacing unions with the German Labor Front (DAF), a state-controlled body that stripped workers of bargaining rights and subordinated them to state goals. Corporatism in Nazi Germany aimed less at class collaboration than at consolidating state power over the economy to meet its militaristic and ideological objectives.

Corporatism as Third-Way in Non-Fascist Contexts

While closely associated with fascism, corporatism has been adopted in other contexts as a means of achieving economic cooperation without free-market capitalism or socialism. For instance, Salazar’s Portugal and Franco’s Spain implemented corporatist models with varying degrees of state involvement, aiming to maintain traditional values, religious principles, and social stability through sectoral guilds and state control.

In Latin America, Peronism in Argentina introduced a form of corporatism that sought to bridge the needs of industry and labor through state-guided associations. Perón’s corporatism maintained a populist dimension, promoting labor rights under state oversight to foster both economic development and social harmony, often underpinned by Catholic social ideals.

2) SYNDICALISM - National Syndicalism as Fascist Economic Doctrine

National Syndicalism emerged as a unique strand of syndicalist theory adapted for nationalist and authoritarian purposes. While traditional syndicalism originated as a worker-driven movement advocating direct action and the transfer of industry ownership to the working class, national syndicalism reinterpreted these ideas to support fascist ideals. Specifically, national syndicalism integrates the syndicalist focus on organized labor with a nationalist, state-centered philosophy, reshaping labor organizations to strengthen the state rather than to enable independent worker control.

Origins and Development

National syndicalism began to take shape in the early 20th century, particularly in Italy and Spain, where it was heavily influenced by the rise of fascist ideology. Unlike traditional syndicalism, which rejected state involvement, national syndicalism embraced the state as the embodiment of national unity, aiming to reorganize the economy along corporatist lines. This involved organizing workers into state-controlled bodies or unions that would cooperate with the state to meet national economic goals, rather than challenging or subverting it.

1. Italy: Italian national syndicalism developed during the years leading up to Mussolini's fascist regime. Italian syndicalists such as Alceste De Ambris and Sergio Panunzio were instrumental in shifting syndicalist ideas to align with nationalism. Panunzio, in particular, argued that the corporate state should integrate labor and industry into a cohesive structure supporting the state. Under Mussolini, this ideology evolved into Italian corporatism, which sought to eliminate class struggle by uniting workers and employers in state-regulated organizations, though always under the guiding hand of fascist authority.

2. Nazi Germany, syndicalism was reshaped in alignment with Italy's fascist corporatist model but was altered to suit the unique objectives of the Nazi state. While both Italy and Germany shared the fascist approach of subordinating labor to the national interest, the Nazis took a more centralized and militarized approach, copying and expanding upon elements of Mussolini's corporatist ideas. In Italy, national syndicalism initially allowed for industry-specific bodies representing both workers and employers, each acting as a corporatist guild under state supervision. These bodies aimed at integrating class interests to create a unified economic structure aligned with fascist goals while still retaining the facade of sector representation. However, in Nazi Germany, rather than organizing labor by specific industrial guilds, the Nazis opted for a total state monopoly on labor representation. They established the German Labor Front (Deutsche Arbeitsfront, DAF), which fully absorbed all labor organizations and dismantled independent unions, aligning all labor directly with the state under the leadership of Robert Ley. The DAF was not an industrial guild but rather an overarching structure aimed at suppressing labor autonomy entirely, directing labor resources to serve national and war-oriented objectives rather than allowing any form of sector-based representation or negotiation seen in Italian corporatism. The German adoption of syndicalist structures was, therefore, more authoritarian than its Italian counterpart, aiming for total control and eliminating the sector guilds found in Italian fascism. Nazi corporatism can be seen as a stricter, more totalitarian evolution of Italian syndicalism, with a focus on preparing for and sustaining wartime economy rather than a traditional corporatist balance between worker and employer interests.

3. Spain: National syndicalism in Spain became a core ideology of the Falange, the Spanish fascist movement founded by José Antonio Primo de Rivera. The Falange adopted national syndicalism as a means to align the Spanish working class with nationalist aims, aiming to supersede class conflict in favor of a united national identity. National syndicalism within the Falange supported the establishment of vertical unions, where labor and capital were theoretically united in service of the nation. This ideology saw its full application under Francisco Franco, where syndicalist principles were used to bolster state control over labor without empowering workers independently. The Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Right-wing Groups (CEDA) and later Franco's regime effectively implemented national syndicalism by centralizing power and merging unions with state mechanisms.

Key Principles and Structure

National syndicalism departs significantly from anarcho-syndicalism, transforming the concept of labor organization to fit nationalist and authoritarian goals. Rather than encouraging worker self-management, national syndicalism channels worker organization into state-supervised structures that foster loyalty to the nation and the ruling state apparatus.

• National Unity over Class Conflict: National syndicalism replaces the syndicalist focus on class struggle with an emphasis on national unity. It rejects the idea that workers and capitalists should be in opposition, instead asserting that both should collaborate under state direction for the benefit of the nation.

• State-Controlled Labor Structures: Unlike traditional syndicalist models that are independent from or opposed to state influence, national syndicalism operates with the state as the central authority. State-controlled syndicates or corporatist bodies replace independent labor unions, and these syndicates are structured in such a way as to eliminate class distinctions within the context of national service.

• Centralized Control: In practice, national syndicalism is heavily centralized, with worker organizations subordinated to state authority. Both labor and industry are expected to serve state objectives, often prioritizing economic policies that support militarization and national development over worker welfare.

Comparison to Anarcho-Syndicalism

Anarcho-syndicalism, by contrast, is fundamentally anti-state and anti-authoritarian. Anarcho-syndicalists advocate for direct, worker-led control of industries, rejecting both nationalism and centralized authority. Prominent anarcho-syndicalist organizations, such as Spain's Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT), opposed fascist regimes and fought against Franco's national syndicalist government during the Spanish Civil War. The CNT aimed to establish a stateless, worker-run society through direct action and decentralized organization, in direct opposition to the authoritarianism of national syndicalism.

Other Third-Way Syndicalist Movements

While national syndicalism is closely associated with fascist states, its approach influenced other right-wing third-way ideologies:

• Integralism in Brazil: The Brazilian Integralist movement, led by Plínio Salgado in the 1930s, incorporated elements of national syndicalism, promoting the integration of labor into a corporatist framework for the national good, though it lacked the same level of labor organization as seen in Italy or Spain.

• Peronism in Argentina: While not strictly national syndicalism, Juan Perón’s movement in Argentina adopted some corporatist principles. Peronist syndicalism sought to establish a "third position" between capitalism and communism by organizing labor under state guidance, promoting social welfare, and uniting workers under a nationalist framework. This model retained elements of worker empowerment but subordinated labor organizations to the interests of the Peronist state.

          Summary

• In essence, national syndicalism transforms syndicalist principles to align with a nationalist, authoritarian agenda, subordinating labor to state control for the purpose of national unity. It reflects the broader third-way economic doctrine of fascism, presenting itself as an alternative to both capitalism and socialism while seeking to eliminate class distinctions within the context of a centralized, nationalist state.

3 PRIVATISATION 

Watch this space

 ECONOMICS  SUMMARY

The economics of fascism, particularly through the lenses of corporatism and national syndicalism, emphasize a rejection of both liberal capitalism and socialism, while advocating for a state-controlled economic system that aligns with nationalistic goals.

Fascist corporatism focuses on the organization of the economy into corporative entities that represent various sectors and interests, coordinated by the state to serve national objectives. This model seeks to harmonize relations between labor and capital under state supervision, ensuring that economic activities contribute to the nation’s strength and unity. It diverges from liberal capitalism by rejecting individualism and free market principles, instead promoting a planned economy that prioritizes the collective good of the nation.

National syndicalism, on the other hand, integrates elements of syndicalism, advocating for the organization of workers into trade unions that directly participate in the management of industries. However, unlike traditional syndicalism, which seeks to abolish the capitalist system, national syndicalism supports a nationalist framework that operates within a state-controlled economy. This approach emphasizes unity among workers but ultimately subordinates their interests to the goals of the state.

In essence, both fascist corporatism and national syndicalism prioritize a centralized, authoritarian approach to economic management, aiming to forge a cohesive national identity through economic coordination, all while rejecting the principles of liberal capitalism and socialist ideologies 

Sources that delve deeper into the subject, such as “Fascism: A History” by Roger Griffin and various academic articles on fascist economic policies.

NOT ALL FASCIST REGIMES WERE THE SAME 

This makes identifying fascism harder. Heres some difference of the most know 4 during depression and up to WWII

Germany Under Hitler

1. Authoritarian Government and Social Values:
Nazi Germany’s government was authoritarian, centering on Adolf Hitler’s total control and the ideology of Volksgemeinschaft ("people's community"). Social values emphasized strict traditional roles, with men expected to serve in the military or workforce and women encouraged to focus on motherhood to propagate the Aryan race. Dissent was harshly punished, and personal freedoms were subordinated to the state’s goals.

2. Blood and Soil:
Hitler’s vision of a resurgent Germany relied heavily on the concept of Lebensraum ("living space"). This required territorial expansion, particularly in Eastern Europe, to provide resources and land for the Aryan race. The Nazi regime glorified war as a means to rebuild Germany into a global empire, with the state requiring complete subordination of the individual to the nation’s militaristic goals. Racial purity was a key element, and Jews, Slavs, and other groups were systematically persecuted as obstacles to this vision.

3. Corporatism and Syndicalism:
Nazi Germany rejected syndicalism in favor of a corporatist model where labor and capital were united under state control. Independent labor unions were abolished and replaced with the Deutsche Arbeitsfront (DAF), a state-controlled labor organization that mediated between workers and employers to enforce loyalty to the Nazi state. Private industries remained in operation but were subordinated to state directives, especially for rearmament and war production. While nominally independent, industries had to align closely with Nazi objectives, effectively blurring the line between private and state control.

4. Who Worked for Whom:
In Nazi Germany, people were framed as working for the greater good of the Aryan nation and the Third Reich. Labor and production were conscripted to serve the state’s ideological and military goals. Workers were propagandized to see their efforts as vital to national resurgence and racial superiority, while industrialists benefited under the guise of patriotism.

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Italy Under Mussolini

1. Authoritarian Government and Social Values:
Mussolini’s Fascist government emphasized the supremacy of the state over the individual. Traditional social values were enforced, with an emphasis on family, discipline, and loyalty to the state. Women were encouraged to bear children to strengthen Italy’s population for future imperial ambitions. Political dissent was suppressed, and Mussolini presented himself as the embodiment of Italy’s destiny.

2. Blood and Soil:
Mussolini’s vision for Italy involved recreating the glory of the Roman Empire. This imperialist ambition drove military campaigns in Ethiopia and Albania, and the Italian people were called upon to contribute to the Fascist State’s territorial expansion. The rhetoric of blood and soil was tied to a nationalistic pride in Italian heritage and the promise of restoring Italy to greatness.

3. Corporatism and Syndicalism:
Italy adopted a unique form of corporatism under Mussolini’s national syndicalism, merging workers and employers into state-controlled corporative structures. Strikes and labor disputes were outlawed, and class collaboration was enforced to serve national unity. Mussolini presented this system as resolving class conflict, but in practice, it prioritized industrialists and elite interests while restricting workers' autonomy. Industries remained privately owned but operated under strict state oversight to align with Fascist goals.

4. Who Worked for Whom:
In Fascist Italy, individuals were framed as working for the Fascist State, which demanded the subordination of personal interests to national ambitions. Workers and employers alike were conscripted into a narrative of unity and strength, with the state mediating all economic and social relations.

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Japan Under Hirohito

1. Authoritarian Government and Social Values:
Japan under Emperor Hirohito operated under a military-dominated authoritarian system. Social values emphasized loyalty to the emperor, family, and traditional Confucian hierarchies. The emperor was seen as a divine figure, and dissent against the government was equated with betrayal of the nation. Women were largely excluded from the workforce, focusing instead on family and supporting the empire indirectly.

2. Blood and Soil:
Japan’s imperial ambitions were deeply tied to the concept of Hakko Ichiu ("Eight Corners of the World Under One Roof"), which envisioned Japan as the center of an expanding empire. Territorial conquests in China, Korea, and Southeast Asia were framed as essential for securing resources and asserting Japan’s rightful place as a global power. Labor and production were directed toward these military and territorial objectives, with individuals expected to prioritize national loyalty above all else.

3. Corporatism and Syndicalism:
While Japan did not adopt syndicalism, it shared similarities with the corporatist models of Germany and Italy. Labor and industrial organizations were closely tied to state control, and strikes and labor movements were heavily suppressed. Industries worked in coordination with the government to support the war effort, creating an economy where private ownership existed but operated under strict state direction.

4. Who Worked for Whom:
In Japan, work was framed as a sacred duty to the emperor and the nation. Labor and production served Japan’s imperial ambitions, with individuals expected to subordinate personal or class interests to the state’s militaristic and hierarchical objectives.

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Spain Under Franco

1. Authoritarian Government and Social Values:
Under Franco, Spain’s government emphasized conservative authoritarianism rooted in Catholicism. Social values were rigidly traditional, with strict gender roles and a focus on family, religion, and national unity. Political dissent was harshly punished, and opposition to Franco’s regime was equated with disloyalty to Spain.

2. Blood and Soil:
Franco’s regime did not pursue territorial expansion or imperialism, distinguishing it from Germany, Italy, and Japan. Instead, the rhetoric of blood and soil was used to reinforce Spain’s internal unity, drawing on traditional Spanish identity and Catholic values to rebuild after the Civil War. Franco’s focus was on maintaining stability and avoiding foreign entanglements, rather than aggressive nation-building.

3. Corporatism and Syndicalism:
Franco’s Spain implemented a corporatist system through the Sindicato Vertical, which combined workers and employers under state control. Strikes were outlawed, and labor unions were absorbed into this structure, serving the state’s goal of suppressing class conflict. Unlike Italy or Germany, Spain’s corporatism was less about ideology and more about consolidating control and maintaining order. Private industry was largely left to function independently but under the overarching control of the state.

4. Who Worked for Whom:
In Francoist Spain, people worked for the stability and unity of the state, guided by Catholic values. Labor and production were directed toward sustaining the regime and avoiding social upheaval, with limited emphasis on ideological or militaristic goals.

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Comparative Table

Country	Who People Worked For	Social Policies	Blood and Soil Goals	Corporatism and Syndicalism
Germany	The Aryan nation and Third Reich.	Traditional roles; racial purity; totalitarian.	Expansion for Lebensraum in Eastern Europe.	Corporatist model with state-controlled labor.
Italy	The Fascist State.	Traditional roles; state supremacy.	Reviving the Roman Empire through imperialism.	National syndicalism with state control of labor.
Japan	The emperor and the Japanese nation.	Hierarchical; loyalty to emperor.	Expanding empire in Asia for resources.	State-controlled labor supporting militarism.
Spain	The Catholic Church and the Francoist state.	Conservative, Catholic traditionalism.	Internal unity and national stability.	Corporatist system for maintaining order.

This comparative analysis shows the shared themes of authoritarian control and state-directed labor while highlighting the unique priorities of each regime.

FASCISM CAN BE SUMMARISED INTO THREE PARTS:

Yes there are differences between Italian and NAZI fascism. Italy being the first and Germany the more successful and infamous (until losing WWII)

1. Conservative Government and Social Values: Fascism starts with a conservative foundation, emphasizing a strong, authoritarian, centralized, and hierarchical state. It adopts a paternalistic approach where authority flows from the top down, reinforcing traditional structures . Enforces rigid social values, often emphasizing hierarchy, gender roles, and national traditions, similar to extreme conservatism. However, it intensifies these to support a unified, militaristic national identity. 

2. Rebuilding a "Once Great Empire": However fascism goes further ,  and evokes myths of a glorious past, aiming to resurrect a nation rooted in "blood and soil"—ancestry and homeland. This idealizes war, strength, and purity to reclaim or expand its perceived former glory. This is fascism over riding goal which all else is subordinate.

3. Third Way Economics: Fascism’s "third way" promotes state-directed corporatism, rejecting both capitalism and socialism. It integrates class collaboration under the state for a strong, unified economy, aiming to suppress class conflict in favor of national interests.