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WEEK 10.
TOPIC: BASIC CONCEPTS
CONTENT
- Fascism: Definition and characteristics.
- Totalitarianism: Definition and characteristics.
Sub-Topic1: FASCISM-MEANING OF FASCISM.
Fascism can be defined as a political ideology and a system of government headed by a privileged elite dictator who exercises total control and promotes nationalism where socialism is discouraged. Fascism was a type of dictatorial government established in Italy under Benito Mussolini between 1922 and 1933. It was a form of authoritarianism. Under fascism, people’s lives are completely controlled by the state.
CHARACTERISTICS OF FASCISM
- All powers in the state are vested in the leader who exercises total control over the entire people.
- All aspect of life of the citizens such as education, religion, size of a family, etc.are controlled by the government.
- Workers are not allowed to go on strike and there is no freedom of the press.
- Fascism believes in war as a viable means of settling dispute between nations and for the attainment of international peace.
- Fascism does not believe in the equality of man but believes in class structure in the society.
- It is against democratic principles e.g. rule of law, mass political participation, constitutionalism, etc.
- Under the system, the state embarks on imperialistic expansion and domination of other countries politically and economically e.g. Germany between 1911-1945.
- There is lack of respect for international laws and conventions.
- The economy is highly centralised since the means of production and distribution are controlled by the government.
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