Mussolini: Three Things About Him
1. Mussolini attacked many of the ideas promoted by Adam smith, recognized by many to lay the foundations of classic liberalism. In opposition to liberalism's ideals, Mussolini promotes the order and stability that, in his view, would result from a state-centered hierarchy. As such, he is opposed to leaders such as John Locke, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. For Mussolini, the traditions of centuries of feudalism are more naturally perpetuated via fascism than something as
The principles promoted were commonly held in the society of the time, and it was therefore not difficult to harness them towards the cause of fascism. Here Mussolini then had the opportunity to influence two of the most prominent forces in the world. Liberalism, according to the fascist ideal, leads to a disjointed society, in which each person works only for his or her own good. completely alien to him and his followers as liberalism. Later, however, Mussolini's arrangement with Hitler enabled him to juxtapose the apparent order, hierarchy, and stability of Germany with the relative chaos and upheaval experienced in the Western states. Mussolini's success is to a great extent the result of the fact that many European states still adhered to the ancient traditions, while liberalism had more influence in countries such as Great Britain and the United States. Mussolini's audience was therefore more receptive to the hierarchical orientation than towards liberalism. While he later allied with Hitler, his initial orientation was more towards the West, where France and England were seeking allies against Germany. As mentioned above, the centrally situated European states were to a great extent very traditional in their views. Fascism presented itself as a more collective ideal. While the pioneering spirit of the United States reached Great Britain via their proximity and historical ties, this seems to diminish with progress further towards central Europe. Mussolini was an extremely influential leader, and sought to spread his ideology throughout the world.
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Germany Mussolini,
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France England,
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