Fascism

Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology and movement characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests for the good of the nation, and strong regimentation of society and the economy. Unlike the fascism of our timeline, which arose primarily in Italy and Germany, the fascist movements in this alternate world emerged first in France and the Netherlands in the late 19th century.

Origins and Core Principles

The intellectual foundations of fascism in this timeline can be traced to late 1800s political thinkers in France and the Netherlands who reacted against the perceived failures of liberal democracy, capitalism, and socialism. Key early figures included Georges Sorel, Henri de Saint-Simon, and Cornelius van Baerle. They championed an ideology centered around:

• Corporatism - The belief that society and the economy should be organized into large, hierarchical, industry-specific corporations (called "estates") that cooperate for the national interest rather than compete.
• Anti-individualism - A rejection of liberal individualism in favor of a organic, collectivist vision of society with rigid social roles and duties.
• Technocratic Authoritarianism - A faith in strong, centralized state power directed by expert bureaucrats and military leaders to enforce social order and national greatness.
• Cultural Conservatism - A desire to preserve traditional values, social structures, and the perceived "natural" hierarchy against modernist, progressive, or revolutionary change.

Unlike historical fascism, these early fascists did not emphasize extreme nationalism, anti-semitism, or racial ideology as core tenets. Their primary enemies were parliamentary democracy, unrestrained capitalism, and Marxism/communism.

Rise to Power

Fascist political movements first gained traction in France and the Netherlands in the late 1800s, benefiting from growing disillusionment with democratic institutions and opposition to the perceived "excesses" of industrialization. The Parti Fasciste Français and Nationale Unie parties were founded in the 1890s and made gradual gains in elections over the following decades.

In 1924, the Parti Fasciste Français formed a coalition government in France, and by 1932 the Nationale Unie had done the same in the Netherlands. Both parties then used their parliamentary power to gradually consolidate control and dismantle democratic checks and balances, establishing authoritarian one-party states. They cracked down on labor unions, leftist movements, and other opposition through a mix of co-option and repression.

These fascist regimes sought to actively promote their ideology and model of social order beyond their borders. Starting in the 1930s, they aggressively expanded their spheres of influence through economic and cultural penetration, as well as outright military conquest. By the 1950s, fascist colonial empires stretched from North Africa to Southeast Asia.

Global Impact

The rise of stable, expansionist fascist powers in Europe had major geopolitical and economic ramifications around the world:

• They competed with other ideological blocs like liberal democracies, communist states, and non-aligned movements for influence in the developing world, often clashing violently.
• Their corporate-statist economic model, emphasizing national champions and protectionism, disrupted the global free trade system.
• Fascist authoritarianism and social conservatism spread to some degree in places under their sphere of influence, challenging liberal values.
• Intense rivalry between fascist powers and other ideological foes fueled major armed conflicts throughout the 20th century.

At the same time, some argue that the fascist regimes' focus on technocratic expertise, social stability, and economic development had some positive impacts, at least in the short term, for nations under their control. Their legacy thus remains a subject of heated debate.

Ultimately, while less overtly violent than the fascism of our own timeline, this variant has still had a profound and complex impact on the modern world. Its legacy continues to shape global politics, economics, and society to this day.