Mussolini on Fascism, by Ari Sclar

“Fascism, the more it considers and observes the future and the development of humanity…believes neither in the possibility nor the utility of perpetual peace…born of a renunciation of the struggle. War puts the stamp of nobility upon the peoples who have courage to meet it. All other trials are substitutes, which never really put men into the position where they have to make the great decision -- the alternative of life or death...Fascism [is] the complete opposite of…the materialist conception of history of human civilization can be explained simply through the conflict of interests among the various social groups and by the change and development in the means and instruments of production.... Fascism, now and always, believes in holiness and in heroism…not economic motive[s]…men are [not] puppets carried to and fro by the waves of chance”

--Benito Mussolini, On the Meaning of Fascism (1932)

[if !supportLists]1. [endif]Does Mussolini reject the idea of progress? What 19th century ideologies does he agree with? What 19th century ideologies does he reject?

[if !supportLists]2. [endif]Would the above passage support or disagree with historian Richard Pipes, who stated, “there is a degree of similarity between the fascist and communist ideologies, movements, and states”? Provide at least TWO examples to support your answer.

[if !supportLists]3. [endif]How does this passage help to understand the shifts in Mussolini’s political career, his political affiliations from prior to WWI to the immediate aftermath of WWI? Cite and explain TWO policies adopted by Mussolini in power that this passage helps to understand.