What were the characteristics of fascist regimes in Europe in the inter-war period? (100) - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2013

1. Authoritarian Leadership: Fascist regimes were often led by charismatic leaders who demanded total loyalty.
2. Militarism and Nationalism: A focus on military strength and national pride was paramount, often leading to aggressive expansionist policies.
3. Suppression of Dissent: Political opposition was brutally repressed through censorship and violence, with the use of secret police.
4. Propaganda: Fascist regimes heavily utilized propaganda to control public perception and promote their ideologies.

Fascist governments exercised strong control over the economy, favoring corporatism whereby the state mediated between business and workers to maintain order and promote national interests.

Fascist regimes often emphasized traditional cultural values, hero worship of leaders, and the glorification of the state through art and education, which was manipulated to serve the regime's agenda.

Fascism differed from communism and liberal democracy in its rejection of class conflict and its emphasis on national unity and power over social equality.