The term “fascisterne”, meaning “the fascists” in several Scandinavian languages such as Danish and Norwegian, refers to individuals or groups who adhere to fascism, a far-right, authoritarian political ideology that rose to prominence in the early 20th century. Although the word may evoke memories of World War II, fascism’s roots, evolution, and influence extend far beyond that period.
In today’s global context—marked by political polarization, nationalism, and cultural conflict—understanding who fascisterne were, what they believed, and how their ideology has evolved is crucial for safeguarding democracy and promoting tolerance.
1. The Origins of Fascism: From Italy to the Wider World
The word fascism comes from the Italian term fascio, meaning “bundle” or “group,” symbolizing strength through unity. The symbol of the fasces—a bundle of rods tied around an axe—was adopted from ancient Rome, representing collective power and authority.
Fascism first emerged in Italy after World War I, under the leadership of Benito Mussolini. In 1919, Mussolini founded the Fasci Italiani di Combattimento, later transforming it into the National Fascist Party. Italy, exhausted by war and social unrest, became fertile ground for a movement that promised national rejuvenation, stability, and pride.
By 1922, Mussolini and his followers—the fascisterne—had seized power during the March on Rome. Fascism soon became a model for similar movements across Europe, including in Germany, Spain, Portugal, and beyond.
2. The Core Ideology of the Fascists (Fascisterne)
To understand fascisterne, one must grasp the fundamental pillars of fascism. Unlike other political systems, fascism was not built on a single coherent philosophy, but rather on a combination of emotional and nationalist principles.
Here are the key ideological features:
a. Ultra-nationalism and the Cult of the Nation
Fascisterne believed that the nation was a living entity, superior to individual interests. Loyalty to the state was paramount, and any form of dissent was seen as betrayal. Fascist regimes glorified the idea of national rebirth and sought to restore what they perceived as lost greatness.
b. Authoritarianism and the Leader Principle
In fascist systems, a single strong leader—such as Mussolini in Italy or Hitler in Germany—was viewed as the embodiment of the nation’s will. These leaders wielded absolute power, and citizens were expected to obey unquestioningly.
c. Militarism and Violence as Political Tools
Fascisterne viewed violence not as a failure of politics, but as a legitimate means to achieve political goals. The glorification of war, discipline, and sacrifice was central to their worldview.
d. Anti-democratic and Anti-liberal Values
Fascism rejected democracy, free elections, and pluralism. Instead, it emphasized the unity of the nation under one ideology. Fascists despised both liberalism and socialism, viewing them as sources of weakness and division.
e. Economic Corporatism
Unlike communism, fascism did not abolish private property. Instead, it proposed a system where employers, workers, and the state worked together in corporations to serve national interests. This system was supposed to eliminate class conflict—but in practice, it suppressed workers’ rights.
3. The Rise of Fascisterne Across Europe
After Mussolini’s success, fascist movements spread like wildfire across Europe in the 1920s and 1930s.
Germany: The Nazi Regime
Perhaps the most infamous manifestation of fascism was Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party in Germany. While Nazism had unique racial and anti-Semitic components, it shared fascism’s core elements—authoritarianism, nationalism, and the suppression of dissent. Hitler’s regime brought about the Holocaust and plunged the world into World War II.
Spain and Portugal
In Spain, Francisco Franco led a fascist-aligned dictatorship following the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939). In Portugal, António de Oliveira Salazar established the Estado Novo, another authoritarian regime rooted in nationalist and corporatist principles.
Scandinavian Fascisterne
While fascism never achieved full power in the Nordic countries, there were still fascist and Nazi-inspired parties. In Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, movements like the Nasjonal Samling (Norway) and the DNSAP (Danish National Socialist Workers’ Party) attracted small but vocal followings. During the German occupation of Norway and Denmark, local fascisterne collaborated with the Nazis, leading to enduring controversy after the war.
4. Life Under Fascist Regimes
Living under fascism meant living in a tightly controlled society where propaganda, censorship, and fear dominated daily life.
- Media Control: Newspapers, radio, and film were used to glorify the leader and the state.
- Youth Indoctrination: Fascist regimes targeted young people, creating organizations like the Balilla in Italy and the Hitler Youth in Germany.
- Suppression of Dissent: Political opponents were imprisoned, exiled, or killed.
- Cult of Personality: Leaders were presented as infallible saviors of the nation.
For the fascisterne themselves, loyalty to the movement was often absolute. They saw themselves as warriors defending civilization against chaos, communism, or moral decay.
5. The Fall of the Fascisterne
By the mid-1940s, the fascist experiment had collapsed under the weight of war and atrocity.
- Mussolini was captured and executed by Italian partisans in 1945.
- Hitler committed suicide in his bunker as Berlin fell to the Allies.
- Franco’s Spain survived but gradually softened into a conservative authoritarianism rather than expansionist fascism.
The defeat of fascism in World War II marked a turning point in global politics. Yet, the legacy of fascisterne—their methods, rhetoric, and ideology—did not vanish completely.
6. The Legacy of Fascism in the Modern World
After 1945, fascism became a symbol of ultimate political evil. However, the ideas and tactics of fascisterne have resurfaced in new forms throughout the late 20th and 21st centuries.
Neo-fascism and Far-right Movements
In the decades following WWII, neo-fascist movements emerged across Europe and the Americas. These groups often avoided overt Nazi imagery but retained elements of fascist thought: extreme nationalism, xenophobia, and the call for “law and order.”
Examples include Italy’s Movimento Sociale Italiano (MSI) and later parties like the National Front in France or Golden Dawn in Greece. In Northern Europe, small extremist networks also claimed allegiance to the old fascist ideals.
Digital Age Fascism
Today, fascist-inspired rhetoric sometimes appears in online spaces, disguised as memes or “nationalist movements.” The internet has allowed extremist ideologies to spread globally, echoing many of the same appeals to fear, identity, and purity that fueled the original fascisterne.
7. Understanding and Countering Fascism Today
While history has judged fascism harshly, its psychological and social appeal remains a topic of serious study. People often turn to authoritarian movements in times of economic instability, social change, or cultural anxiety.
How to Recognize Fascist Tendencies
Modern experts identify several warning signs:
- Demonization of minorities or immigrants
- Hostility toward free press and intellectuals
- Emphasis on a “strong leader” who alone can solve national problems
- Glorification of the past and rejection of modern pluralism
- Militarization of culture and politics
Recognizing these traits helps societies prevent the re-emergence of fascisterne in new forms.
8. Lessons from History
The story of fascisterne is more than a historical account—it’s a moral warning. Fascism shows how fear and propaganda can manipulate societies, how democratic institutions can crumble, and how ordinary people can become complicit in extraordinary crimes.
Education, critical thinking, and civic participation are the best defenses against such movements. When citizens understand the past, they are better equipped to defend freedom and human rights in the present.
9. Conclusion: The Importance of Remembering the Fascisterne
The legacy of fascisterne reminds us that democracy is fragile. Fascism did not arise overnight—it grew from frustration, inequality, and disillusionment. It thrived where people felt unheard, where political discourse turned to hatred, and where truth was twisted for power.
