Chapter 24 Chapter 4 The Decline of Liberalism 4

4 Had the Great Panic never happened, would fascism still have a place in history?The answer is probably no.Relying on Italy alone, lacks the conditions to shock the world.Outside of Italy, in Europe in the 1920s, there were no other promising far-right counter-revolutionary movements.The reason was nothing else: the revolutionary fervor aroused after 1917 had gradually faded.The world economic situation is also improving day by day.After the November Revolution, although the ultra-right lunatics in Germany and the irregular army formed by them were also supported by the backbone of the society of the German Empire: military generals, civil servants, etc., it is conceivable that the latter's focus , mainly to ensure that the nascent republic can hold onto its conservative and counter-revolutionary stance.More importantly, maintain Germany's international status and maintain room for movement.Therefore, support is support, and when a critical moment has to be chosen, the conservative group will not hesitate to turn back and try to maintain the status quo. The Kapp Putsch launched by the right in 1920 and the Munich riots in 1923 are two examples-in the Munich riots, Hitler first made the headlines of the newspapers.However, once the economic situation improved (1924), the power of the National Socialist Party immediately plummeted and became an insignificant remnant party. In the general election of 1928, the National Socialist Party took the last seat and only got 2.5% to 3% of the votes, which was only one-fifth of the Communist Party's vote rate, and less than one-tenth of the Social Democratic Party's.The number of votes was not even comparable to that of the smallest party in Germany at the time, the gentle and moderate German Democratic Party (German Democratic Party), which had only a little more than half of the latter.However, two years later, the National Socialist Party jumped to become the second largest party in Germany, capturing 18% of the vote in one fell swoop. Four years later, in the summer of 1932, it became the largest party in Germany, sweeping 37% of all votes.But during the period when genuinely democratic elections were held, the National Socialist party was not so powerful.The reason why the Hitler phenomenon was able to rise again and again from a radical fringe politics to become the master of the country's destiny was obviously due to the Great Depression.

However, although the Great Depression was a major cause of fascism's rise to power, it would have been impossible for fascism to become such a powerful and influential frenzy in the 1930s without the help of Germany.In terms of size, economy, and military potential, not to mention its geographical location, Germany is one of the best countries in Europe. No matter what type of government is in power, it will not affect the importance of its political status.Just look at the disastrous defeats in the two world wars, but they never broke down the profound strength of Germany, which can be seen. The 20th century is coming to an end, and Germany is still the largest country in continental Europe after all.Germany is to fascism what the Soviet Union is to the Communist Party.The Marxists, for the left, took the world's largest country by land area ("one-sixth of the world's landmass"-communists used to boast between the two wars), and made communism an international Emerge on the scene, elated.Even at a time when the power of the Communist Party was weakening outside the Soviet Union, its importance cannot be ignored.Similarly, Hitler's seizure of power in Germany is enough to prove Mussolini's success in Italy, and since then Fascism has stepped up to the center of the international political arena.In the following 10 years, Germany and Italy also pursued military expansion and carried out their wolf ambitions (see Chapter 5)—with the help of Asia’s Japan across the ocean, the momentum became even stronger—the east and the west joined hands to determine international politics trend.As a result, other countries or movements with suitable conditions were naturally attracted by fascist ideas and sought asylum in Germany and Italy one after another. Germany and Italy were ambitious, and naturally accepted their refuge.

In Europe, this kind of movement that embraces fascism is mostly on the political right, and the reason is self-evident.In the camp of the Zionist movement, there is a faction with Italian fascist tendencies, and the "revised line" led by Jabotinsky obviously regards itself as a right wing.Jiepai took an opposing position against the left-wing groups that advocated socialism and liberalism, which accounted for the vast majority of Zionist movement organizations.However, the reason why fascism was able to become rampant in the international community in the 1930s was due to the help of the two major powers, Germany and Italy.In fact, outside of Europe, other countries hardly have any conditions that promote the birth of fascist thought.Therefore, if there are fascists in these countries, or there is a movement trend influenced by fascism, its political significance, no matter in terms of position or function, what role fascism plays is more interesting.

Of course, having said that, European-style fascism does have its echoes overseas.The Islamic chief mufti in Jerusalem, and other Arabs who opposed Jewish immigration to Palestine (the Jews had the British backing), naturally felt that Hitler's anti-Semitism was congenial.Although traditionally, Islam has always coexisted with various pagans.As for the so-called "Aryans" (Aryans) Hindus (Hindu), they think that their blood is superior to others, and they are the true original Aryans, and they look down on other ethnic groups with darker skin living together in the Indian subcontinent.This mentality is the same as that of Sinhalese extremists on the island of modern Sri Lanka.The Boers, who are of Afrikaans descent, were detained by the South African government that joined the Allies during World War II.Post-war apartheid in South Africa (1948) was led by some of the Boers who were held in internment camps.Their mentality and awareness naturally have some origins with Hitler - first, they firmly believe in racial ideas; second, they are influenced by the Calvinist teachings prevailing in the lowlands of the Netherlands, and they have an ultra-rightist temperament.But if this means that Fascism, unlike the Communist Party, never existed in Asia and Africa (the only exception may be among European immigrants), because it seems to have nothing to do with local politics.This argument cannot be established.

In a broad sense, Japan is a typical example.During World War II, Japan and the German-Italian Alliance fought together on the same front.Japan's domestic politics are all dominated by the right.Between the East and the West, the Axis countries really have a sympathy and congeniality.The Japanese have a strong sense of race, unrivaled in the world, and they consider themselves the best nation in the world.In order to maintain the purity and superiority of the race, in the military, the Japanese firmly believe that self-sacrifice, absolute obedience, abstinence and self-control are necessary virtues.The spirit of Bushido must also sincerely believe in the spiritual slogan of Hitler's SS ('MeineEhre ist Treue', the most appropriate translation is probably "Honor, that is, blind obedience").At that time, the Japanese social class system was strict and clear, and individuals were completely dedicated to the country and the emperor, and they absolutely rejected freedom, equality and fraternity.The gods of the barbarian world in Wagner's operas, the holy and pure medieval knights, especially the natural scenery of the Germanic mountains and forests, are full of German nationalist (volkisch) dreams, and all kinds of myths and legends are understood by the Japanese people, and they have no difficulty in accepting them.Both the Japanese and the Germans have the same traits, they can blend the delicate beauty into the barbaric behavior: the cruel butcher and executioner in the concentration camp loves the Schubert quartet.If fascist thoughts could be translated into Zen verses, the Japanese would probably flock to them too, fearing that they would be too late to welcome them.But their own "spiritual food" is enough, and there is no need for fascists to add icing on the cake.However, there are also some Japanese people who see the commonality of Eastern and Western fascist spirits and vigorously advocate Japan's strengthening of its identification with European fascism.These people include Japanese personnel stationed abroad in fascist countries in Europe.But those who advocate the most are supra-nationalist terrorist groups that specialize in the assassination of political figures. If they think that they are not patriotic, they will surely escape their murderous hands.In addition, there is also the notorious Japanese Kwantung Army, which burned, killed, looted and did everything in China.

However, the fascist movement in Europe has great significance, and it cannot be included in the feudal ideology of the East and the mission of the imperial state.Fascism arose in the era of democracy, and it belonged to the century when the common people were in their early years.In terms of the mobilization of the broad masses to form a "movement" trend, the people choose leaders from among themselves, and then aim at an unprecedented revolution, it is an unbelievably incompatible concept for Japan under Emperor Hirohito.The German things that Japan likes are the Prussian army and traditions. Only these two things are just right for the Japanese appetite.To put it simply, although Japanese militarism seems to be closely related to German National Socialism, the Japanese cannot be regarded as true fascists in their bones.As for the spiritual contact between the Japanese and the Italians, the distance between them is even more distant.

Let's talk about other countries that hope Germany and Italy to help.Especially in the early days of World War II, for a while, the Axis forces seemed to have a chance to win. At that time, the countries that came to defect to fascism one after another, and the recognition of ideology was not their main motivation.Although on the surface, small countries that practice nationalism, such as Ustasha, Croatia, rely entirely on Germany for their first-line survival, so they don't hesitate to put money on their faces, boasting that they are more Nazi than Hitler's SS.In addition, during the two wars, the Irish Republican Army who fought for the unification of Ireland and the Indian nationalists based in Berlin also sought cooperation from Germany. If we regard them as "fascists" because of this, it would be a big deal Wrong.Because their motives are based on the principle that "the enemy of my enemy is my friend".In fact, the head of the Irish Republican Army, Frank Ryan, once had a cooperation agreement with Germany.But Rui En is an opponent of fascism.The opposition was so strong that during the Spanish Civil War, he joined the International Brigade, fought against Franco, and was finally captured by Franco's army and sent to Germany.Examples like this should not affect our judgment.

After seeing Europe, Asia and Africa, there is another continent left.On this continent, it is undeniable that European fascist ideology has indeed exerted an impact that cannot be ignored.That is the American continent. In North America, the repercussions aroused by the European situation are mainly limited to specific immigrant groups.These people from Europe immigrated to the New World with the old ideas of their motherland. For example, immigrants from Northern Europe and Judaism have a pro-socialist temperament.Others, not forgetting the kindness of their homeland, remain more or less attached to their home country, so under the influence of German sentiments—Italy is also included, but to a much lesser degree—American isolationism It has its own reasons.Although in reality, there is not enough evidence to show that a large number of Americans turned to fascism.The German national army’s outfits, camouflage uniforms, and the image of saluting the head of state are not the same as the local right-wing organizations and racial discrimination activities in North America (the most famous is the American Ku Klux Klan).Anti-Semitic sentiment was naturally strong in the United States at the time, but anti-Semitic avatars of the right at this time—such as Father Coughlin’s radio sermon broadcast from Detroit, for example—were inspired by, in fact, It is closer to that of European Catholic right-wing corporatism. The most typical consciousness phenomenon in the United States in the 1930s, from the perspective of Americans, obviously belonged to the tradition of the extreme radical left. The most successful of this type of populist instigation in a decade has been Huey Long, who won the Louisiana governor's seat and governed the state with authoritarian style.In the name of democracy, the American left has wantonly weakened democracy and demanded egalitarianism, which has greatly won the hearts of the poor.As for the petty bourgeoisie, as well as the rich and noble families who are born with counter-revolutionary self-defense instincts, they naturally hate them to the bone.But American political trends, whether left or right, are not racist.Because no matter what kind of faction the movement is, as long as it shouts the slogan "Every Man a King" (Every Man a King), it is impossible to be closely related to the fascist tradition.

The influence of fascist ideology on the American continent only opened up in Latin America.Not only politicians were deeply affected, such as Colombia's Gaitan (Jorge Eliezer Gaitan, 1898-1948) and Argentina's Peron (JuanDomingo Peron, 1895-1974).There are also national regimes officially established under the name of fascism, such as the "New State" (Estado Novo, New State) established by Vargas in Brazil from 1937 to 1945.At that time, the U.S. government was deeply afraid that under the instigation of fascism, the Nazi forces would increase in South America and would form an outflank to North America.In fact, this kind of worry is simply an overstatement, because the influence of fascism on Latin American countries is mostly limited to their own politics.With the exception of Argentina, which clearly leaned toward the Axis powers—but only before and after Perón (1943)—governments in the Western Hemisphere fought on the American front in World War II, at least nominally on the side of the Allies.But there is another fact that cannot be denied: the military systems of some South American countries at that time all learned from Germany; some were even trained by German or even Nazi instructors.

The reason why the American region south of the Grant River (Rio Grande, translation note: the Grant River is the border river of the United States and Mexico, and its south refers to the whole of Latin America) is deeply influenced by fascism is actually very simple.From the perspective of these countries, the United States after 1914 no longer has the image of the anti-imperialist vanguard. In the 19th century, the United States was a friend of the progressive Latin American people. In diplomacy, it helped them fight against the empires or former imperial powers of Britain, France and Spain.But the Spanish-American War of 1898, the ensuing Mexican Revolution (1910), not to mention oil and The rise of the banana industry created a wave of anti-Yanke and anti-imperialism in Latin American political circles. In the first third of the 20th century, the Washington authorities were obviously only interested in gunboat diplomacy and the landing results of the Marine Corps. As for the raging opposition movements in Latin America, they did nothing to stop them.Victor Raul Haya de la Torre of Peru founded the Anti-Imperialist Front, the American Revolutionary League of the Peoples.Aya de la Torre's ambition is to target all of Latin America, but its alliance organization has only established a certain position in its own country, Peru.His plan is to invite the officers of the Sandinista Army, a famous anti-American movement in Nicaragua, as instructors, and train a group of subversive elements for his organization (the Sandinista Army has practiced guerrilla warfare since 1927 and has long resisted the US occupation. The Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua in the 1980s, its revolutionary appeal came from the Sandinista movement of that year).Coupled with the impact of the Great Depression, the United States in the 1930s seemed to have lost its glory, and its momentum to dominate the Americas was greatly reduced.President Roosevelt abandoned the gunboat policy that his predecessors insisted on. In the eyes of neighboring countries in the south, this was not only a gesture of "good neighborliness", but also a sign of the weakness of the United States (which they misread).Thus Latin America in the 1930s no longer looked to its northern neighbor as its mentor.

But look across the Atlantic, and fascism is clearly the success story of the 1930s.The continent of Latin America has always sought inspiration in areas of cultural hegemony.Their future leaders are always looking out, eager to find a secret recipe that can help their country become prosperous and modern.If there is really such a model in the world that these Latin politicians who want to improve themselves can imitate, then it is naturally Berlin and Rome.Because London and Paris have no political inspiration, and Washington has nothing to do. (As for Moscow, it is still seen by outsiders as a poster child for social revolution, thus somewhat limiting its political appeal.) However, although these Latin American leaders are grateful for the political nourishment provided by Mussolini and Hitler, their own style and achievements are so different from their European ancestors!The president of Bolivia's revolutionary regime at that time admitted in private that he owed fascists a lot of ideological gratitude.The author still remembers the astonishment he felt when he heard this remark.Bolivian fighters and politicians, although they looked at the German example in their eyes, the result of their organization was the revolution of 1952.The revolution not only nationalized the country's tin mines, but also implemented radical land reform policies for the Indian small peasant class.In Colombia, the great protector of the people, Gaitán, would have taken the position of leader of the Liberal Party without starting from the right, had he not been assassinated in Bogota on April 9, 1948 , after being elected president, it is bound to lead the country to a radical line.The assassination of Gaitan immediately set off large-scale riots (including the police) in the Colombian capital, and many provincial capitals immediately announced the establishment of revolutionary communes.What Latin American leaders drew from the European fascist model was in fact the latter's apotheosis of the decisive leader of the people.But the masses that the Latin American revolutionaries intended to mobilize, and did mobilize, were not the masses that the European fascists rose up against for fear of losing what they held.The enemy mobilized against was not outsiders (although the Peronists and other parties in Argentina could hardly deny their anti-Semitic color), but the oligarchs of the country—that is, the rich, the local ruling class.Peron's core masses came from the domestic working class; and his most basic political group was an organization similar to a labor party developed under the large-scale labor movement he cultivated in various places.The Brazilian campaign under Vargas had the same result.The political opponent who forced him to step down first in 1945 and finally to commit suicide in 1954 was the country's army authorities.And it was the urban working class who mourned Vargas' death that he had bestowed on social protection in exchange for political support.The fascist regimes in Europe destroyed the labor movement; the leaders in Latin America inspired by them, in turn, developed it.No matter how close the two are in terms of ideology, in terms of historical significance, these two different movements must not be confused.