communism vs fascism essay

Communism vs. Fascism

While communism is a system based around a theory of economic equality and advocates for a classless society, fascism is a nationalistic, top-down system with rigid class roles that is ruled by an all-powerful dictator. Both communism and fascism originated in Europe and gained popularity in the early to mid 20th century.

Comparison chart

What are communism and fascism.

As a socioeconomic system, communism considers all property to be communal — that is, owned by the community or by the state. This system also stresses the importance of a "classless" society, where there are no differences between the wealthy and the working classes, between men and women, or between races. While Marxist communism is the most common form of communism, there is also non-Marxist communism .

As is evident by multiple definitions of fascism , there is considerable variations in what social scientists call fascism . Nevertheless we will attempt to describe what it generally means. Fascism is also a political and economic system, but its focus is on the nation state, as ruled by a dictator, and on rigid social structure. Under fascism, hyper-masculinity , youth, and even violence and militarism are held in high regard. Any "outside" idea that conflicts with the nation state is undesirable; as such, fascism often shuns conservatism, liberalism , democracy, and communism, alike, and is also generally hostile toward equality for women and different races and people.

Communist Philosophy

Communism can be traced back to Thomas More , a prominent English Catholic who wrote about a society based around common ownership of property in Utopia in 1516. The origin of communism is most commonly associated with Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in their 1848 book The Communist Manifesto . Marx was a critic of the Industrial Revolution and felt working classes were taken advantage of under capitalism.

In the book, Marx and Engels propose a communist system, wherein property is communally owned by an atheistic , classless society, thus eliminating differences between workers ( proletariat ) and wealthy elites ( bourgeosie ). They argue that achieving this state would eliminate nearly all societal problems caused by inequity and exploitation and place mankind on a higher level of progress. However, Marx and Engels never describe how such a society can be created, leaving essentially a blank slate for others to fill in.

From 1917 to 1924, Vladimir Lenin led the Communist Party in Russia, establishing the structure and direction the ideology would take. His vision of a global communist state was little more than an extension of Marx's "worker's revolution." To that end, Lenin sought to influence communism and its development throughout Europe. However, internal party struggles for power led to the dismissal or exile of key leaders, such as Leon Trotsky , and left Russia's communist regime at the mercy of opportunism upon Lenin's death. Into that vacuum stepped Joseph Stalin , who eschewed theoretical matters in favor of solidifying power.

The development of communism around the world was influenced after the 1930s by economic issues, especially in post-colonial territories, such as parts of Africa and Asia, and in politically unstable regions in Central and South America. Although Russia tried to take a leadership role through economic and military influence, as did China in Asia, the lack of true economic success has thus far limited the gains made by communism.

Fascist Philosophy

Fascism is based around the glory of the nation state. Its origins can be traced to the nationalism movements of the late 19th century. Two Frenchmen, Charles Maurras and Georges Sorel , wrote about integral nationalism and radical syndicalist action as ways to create a more organic and prosperous society. These writings influenced Italian Enrico Corradini , who postulated a rationalist-syndicalist movement, led by aristocracy and anti-democratic forces. Combined with futurism , an early 20th century doctrine of forcing change (even resorting to violence), the seeds of fascism took root in Italy at the beginning of World War I . However, fascism formed in different ways in each country, succeeding (Italy, Germany, Spain, briefly in Portugal) or failing (France) in its own way.

Despite the different development processes, fascist regimes do share several characteristics in common, including extreme militaristic nationalism, opposition to parliamentary democracy , conservative economic policy that favors the wealthy, contempt for political and cultural liberalism, a belief in natural social hierarchy and the rule of elites, and the desire to create a Volksgemeinschaft (German for “people’s community”), in which individual interests are subordinated to the good of the nation. Two other characteristics emerged in practice: the binding of corporate interests to "the national will" and outright control of media leading to widespread propaganda.

This video seeks to explain the main differences between fascism and communism.

Social Structure and Class Hierarchies

Communists inspired by The Communist Manifesto believe class hierarchies must be abolished by the state seizing control of private property and industry, thereby abolishing the capitalist class. Likewise, they are often against other social constructs, such as rigid gender roles .

Contrary to communism 's goal of a classless society, fascism upholds a strict class structure, ensuring that every member of society has a specific, unchangeable role. Often in fascist societies women are restricted to the home and child-rearing, and a certain racial or ethnic group is considered superior, with national and ethnic unity encouraged at the expense of individuality and diversity. For example, Hitler's fascist regime glorified the Aryan race and called for the extermination of Jews, Gypsies, and Poles during World War II . Moreover, other groups with actual or perceived differences, including homosexuals, the disabled, and communists, were targeted during the Holocaust.

Political System

Both fascism and communism are against the democratic process but with some differences. Fascism looks down upon parliamentary democracy. Fascist leaders like Hitler and Mussolini participated in electoral politics before coming to power. But after seizing power, fascist leaders tended to abolish political parties, oppose universal suffrage and became dictators and Rulersrulers for life.

In communist countries, democracy might be the path to power (a communist majority is elected), but single-party rule is the prevailing tendency. Although elections may continue to be held, a country's Communist Party is often the only body eligible to place candidates on the ballot. Leadership in the party is usually based on seniority rather than merit. A central ruling committee within the party governs debate (allowing or disallowing it) and essentially establishes the "line" the party follows. Although communism preaches inclusion, the tendency is toward elitism and concentration of power within the party leadership alone. [1]

Economic System

Communism is based on the equal distribution of wealth. The tenet of Marxian communism was "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need." Everyone in society receives an equal share of the benefits derived from labor, e.g., food and money. In order to ensure that everyone receives an equal amount, all means of production are controlled by the state.

Fascism allows for private enterprise, but its economic system is focused entirely on strengthening and glorifying the state. Both Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany aimed for self-sufficiency, so that each country could survive entirely without trade with other nations. See fascist corporatism .

Individual Rights

In both communism and fascism, individual choice or preference matter less than society as a whole. In communism, religion and private property are both abolished, the government controls all labor and wealth, and individual choices such as one's job or education tend to be dictated by the government. While private property is permitted in fascism, most other choices are also controlled to increase the strength of the state.

History of Fascism and Communism in Practice

The first real-world example of Marxist Communism was in Russia in 1917, when the Bolshevik Party seized control in the October Revolution . Russian leaders of the time, such as Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky, were seen as examples worthy of emulation in other countries, spearheading the growth of communist parties throughout Europe. In reaction to what was seen as a growing communist menace, fascism appeared in Italy and Germany.

Modern Fascism originated in Italy in the 1920s, when Benito Mussolini gained control and coined the term “fascism” to describe his form of government. The focus was on nationalism rather than inclusion in a "global communist state" that many feared would create puppets of Russia's communist party. To keep workers from seizing control of their workplaces, corporations and key economic engines were taken over by the government (nationalized), uniting business and government into monopolies . Fascism then spread throughout Europe, including to Germany beginning in 1933 with the Nazis, and Portugal in 1934.

Communism spread throughout Europe and Asia, establishing a constant presence in the political debates of leading countries such as England, France, and the U.S. In China, the rise of the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, was the result of a civil war. The "fall of China" to communism caused major concern in Europe and the U.S., one that was placed on hold with the outbreak of World War II.

After the war, the Soviet Union was formed, forcibly adding several countries to its communist coalition. China became active in its Asian sphere of influence, backing North Korea against U.S.-supported South Korea in the Korean War, eventually helping its ally to remain a communist nation. Vietnam was also a test case in a war that had the U.S. playing the role of "defender of democracy" against the specter of a communist-based " domino theory ." The U.S. lost this war, and neighboring countries, Laos and Cambodia, established communist governments.

Communism also found footholds in South America, Central America, and Africa. However, many of these regimes were toppled by subsequent coups or undermined by U.S. influence. One exception is Cuba, where its government was overthrown by Fidel Castro's forces in 1959 and declared allegiance to the Soviet Union; it has since remained a communist nation.

Fascism was defeated in World War II, but Spain, under Francisco Franco , continued a fascist regime until the 1970s. Other fascist regimes emerged in South America and Africa, but failed to remain in power for long.

The spread of communism, though extensive, was probably less successful than it could have been due to the lack of collaboration between the Soviet Union and China, each espousing a different "true communist" philosophy. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 and the economic depression of China that lasted over 50 years, added to the failure of other communist governments, led to a large-scale abandonment of communism as a political theory.

Modern Examples

As of 2015, China, Cuba, and North Korea are the most prominent of about a dozen communist countries (out of over 210 in the world). However, China has adopted basic capitalist practices to develop the world's fastest-growing and largest economy, Cuba has agreed to normalize relations with the U.S. (including economic development), and the "theocratic communism" of North Korea, where the Kim family is seen as god-like, may end as discussions for reunification with South Korea are in the works.

No countries are currently operate under a fascist philosophy, but neo-fascists (or neo-Nazis ) exist in many countries, including the U.S.

Popular Communists and Fascists

Noted supporters of communism in the U.S include singers Woody Guthrie , Pete Seeger , and Paul Robeson ; activists Angela Davis and Bill Ayers ; and noted spies Alger Hiss and the Rosenbergs . Many people openly supported communism in the 1920s and 1930s. But the 1950s saw the rise of Senator Joe McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) , which launched hundreds of "investigations" in search of communist sympathizers. Although belief in communism is not a crime under U.S. law, and these activities ultimately found very little evidence of a communist conspiracy, a substantial number of people suffered irreparable harm to their reputations, such as those on the Hollywood blacklist .

Some famous Americans and companies were involved with the fascist regimes of Europe, particularly Nazi Germany, although most later withdrew their open support. Among the best known were aviator Charles Lindbergh , newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst , industrialist Henry Ford , and Joseph Kennedy (father of John F. and Ted Kennedy), .

Communism and Fascism in Capitalistic Systems

Many people consider capitalism , communism, and fascism to be entirely separate systems, but there are shared elements. In capitalist systems, the presence of "public domain" works, to be shared by all, follows a communist principle, as does a system of public education. Employee-owned companies follow a communist model in giving workers the same rights and privileges as owners.

Lobbying is a fascist trait in capitalist systems, especially the U.S., for it allows, and even encourages, business wealth to influence legislation. This allows corporations to cement alliances with government power and supersede citizen's rights. An extension of this principle is seen in the Citizens United decision by the Supreme Court , which grants "free speech" rights to corporations.

• Fascism - Encyclopædia Britannica
• Communism - Encyclopædia Britannica
• Fascism - Wikipedia
• Definitions of fascism - Wikipedia
• Communism - Wikipedia
• How Communism Works - HowStuffWorks
• How Fascism Works - HowStuffWorks
• Communism Definition - Dictionary.com
• Fascism Definition - Dictionary.com

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Comments: Communism vs Fascism

Anonymous comments (4).

May 29, 2014, 4:04pm nice article — 141.✗.✗.30

August 28, 2013, 1:13pm Great description of the two social movements. I'm not sure where claims of bias towards the description of communism in this article are rooted ( I've read several books on the subject and this description seems right on the money ). Perhaps this is just bias towards the movement itself ..... — 99.✗.✗.154

May 1, 2013, 6:39pm Like this chart is the definition of a good chart. — 69.✗.✗.86

March 23, 2014, 2:28am North Korea is not a communist nation. It is a facist dictatorship in which a single person has absolute authority. As your chart correctly states, there has never been a communist nation. Communist movements are quickly hijacked by opportunistic dictators. — 76.✗.✗.223

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Communism and Fascism Similarities

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3.4 Nationalism, Communism, Fascism, and Authoritarianism

Learning outcomes.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Analyze nationalism.
• Discuss the central concepts of Marx’s political thought.
• Trace the development of Marxism-inspired political ideologies in the West.
• Assess the varieties of fascism and authoritarianism.
• Describe the core tenets of contemporary Chinese communism.

Nationalists see a national group as endowed with a distinctive culture and set of ties with other members. These ties often stir a nearly spiritual attachment to the national group. This attachment is often based on shared blood, history, and soil. One of the first defenders of nationalism as a political ideology, German philosopher Johann Gottfried von Herder (1744–1803), argued that if each nation looked inward and celebrated its own distinctive contributions, the world could enjoy international peace. 31 Other defenders of nationalism have seen it as a rallying cry for independence movements that freed non-Western regions from Western control, as in Vietnam and Algeria, both of which fought long wars to end French colonial rule. However, nationalism has also been used to assert that one nation is superior to all others, and this has stimulated social exclusion and war.

The Development of Marxism in the West

In the 19th century, German writer Karl Marx (1818–1883) and his collaborator Friedrich Engels (1820–1895) condemned nationalism for its power to distract people from the economic struggles within and across nations and from how some individuals economically exploit members of the same “nation.”

Marx predicted that a global revolution would upend the whole of modern society and eventually result in communism —a condition of peace, justice, freedom from repressive laws and political supervision, and equality of material resources in a society without economic classes. Inspired in part by Rousseau , Marx held that in such a society, the inherent human potential for living in peaceful solidarity with all and exercising creative freedom would be fully realized. When Marx sought to sketch the nature of communism, he emphasized this creative freedom:

“In communist society, where . . . each can become accomplished in any branch he wishes, society regulates the general production and thus makes it possible for me to do one thing today and another tomorrow, to hunt in the morning, fish in the afternoon, rear cattle in the evening, criticise [poetry, art, music, etc.] after dinner, just as I have a mind, without ever becoming hunter, fisherman, herdsman or critic.” 32

Unlike Locke , for whom the free market worked to ensure overall prosperity for all, for Marx and Engels, the internal operations of a free-market economy grounded on private property and the free exchange of goods and services made communism inevitable. According to this vision, in a free market society, most people must sell things to secure money to buy the necessities of life. This creates competition among producers, who eventually compete to offer the lowest prices. One way to do this is to invest in labor-saving machinery that lowers the cost per product by lowering the producer’s labor costs. This leads to growing unemployment, and those who retain their jobs are paid lower and lower wages, all to keep product costs low. This results in the general impoverishment of the mass of society.

According to Marx, in an industrialized society, most people become members of the proletariat , or those who sell their labor to a few large companies. A few are among the bourgeoisie , a group of middle-class merchants, accountants, lawyers, and other professionals who sell small consumer products or professional expertise, but their numbers will eventually shrink. Marxist theorists today see this process playing out as mechanized production and the vast use of information technology renders many once relatively high-paying jobs obsolete.

As the workers and those struggling to find steady work become increasingly numerous and increasingly miserable, they will inevitably bond over a recognition of their common economic condition—what Marx calls class consciousness —and will come together to demand change.

They will seize the privately held technologies and swiftly and violently act to capture government power. This represents what Marxists call the dictatorship of the proletariat , a temporary period when the workers would organize, take control of the state, and engage in the cleanup operations needed to usher in communism. During this period, the proletariat should control all political speech to prevent counterrevolution and work to upend the social relations of production —that is, social norms such as marriage that have been shaped by the capitalist economy.

Marx believed that the forces of capitalism were well advanced in Germany, and he anticipated that German workers would realize his vision for a workers’ revolution, which in turn would extend to neighboring countries. Yet this revolution failed to occur. Why?

Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci (1891–1937) argued that the owners of the means of production weaponize culture against the workers. They manufacture a set of cultural norms through their control of the media, churches, and schools, asserting what Gramsci called hegemony , or domination by means of the prevailing culture. Hegemonic cultural norms define it as unacceptable to be a revolutionary and acceptable for workers to be content with their lot in life, with their small holdings of private property and the freedoms they enjoy in their private lives, and with the conspicuous entertainments on offer (which are full of rags-to-riches stories that distract them from their oppression and encourage them to view the economic status quo as one of economic opportunity). The hegemonic culture also celebrates patriotism, which creates a false sense that owners and workers are on the same team. Perhaps most dangerously for Marxists, the prevailing culture manufactured by the wealthy elite reinforces religious beliefs and practices, which only divert attention from worker oppression and instill passivity in the system of private property by preaching such commandments as “thou shall not steal.” In his Prison Notebooks , Gramsci argues that communism as a political cause “will triumph by first capturing the culture via infiltration of schools, universities, churches and the media by transforming the consciousness of society.” 33 By capturing these culture-producing institutions, the wealthy elite can transform culture so that it celebrates ways of thinking and acting that undermine the norms that discourage a communist revolution.

The Russian Marxist Vladimir Lenin (1870–1924) developed a somewhat different answer to the question of why a revolution had failed to occur in the industrialized nations of Europe. Lenin argued that the workers needed a vanguard, a small set of dedicated and merciless revolutionary activists working on their behalf to seize the state and take control of the economy. Without a vanguard, the capitalist forces that controlled the economy would always be able, as Lenin believed they did in Germany, to forestall the general impoverishment of the masses. A small group of dedicated activists, on the other hand, could seize power by the force of their revolutionary zeal and then act on the workers’ behalf to break the neck of the capitalist state. 34

Inside Gates of Soviet Russia (1914–1919)

This newsreel footage shows what life was like for peasants in Soviet Russia under Lenin.

Lenin advocated for this position in Russia, which was underdeveloped in terms of industrial machinery. Because the Leninists who seized power in Russia in November 1917 believed that highly productive machinery was necessary to provide such plenty that people would think it natural to share with one another, their key tasks were rapid industrialization, consciousness-raising among the workers, and the suppression of any forces resisting the move toward communism. Lenin still held an international vision and hoped to see parallel revolutions in the industrialized world.

After Lenin’s death in 1924, his successor, Joseph Stalin , and later rulers of the Soviet Union took these objectives to greater extremes, demanding rigid conformity with Marxist ideology and conducting a state-mobilized commitment to build Russian industry, no matter the cost in lives or to the natural environment. Stalin advanced the idea that while worker revolutions in states outside the Soviet Union may take a very long time to arise, in the meantime, a society based on shared wealth and collective prosperity could be built in Russia. The Soviet Union could defend itself from the foreign interventions that Lenin had argued would inevitably come from capitalist countries. 35 In pursuit of these objectives, the Soviet Union’s government under Stalin effectively became a form of totalitarianism , where the state sought to control the totality of its citizens’ lives as a means to achieve state objectives.

20th-Century Fascists

Soviet communism was not the only form of totalitarianism that marked the 20th century. In the early 1920s, fascism , an ideology that combines reverence for the state with nationalism, anti-communism, and skepticism of the parliamentary form of government, first emerged in Italy and Spain. Under a parliamentary form of government, parties are elected to a legislative chamber, and the chamber, by a majority vote, selects members of the executive branch. By the 1900s in Italy, Spain, and other European nations, an array of different parties had emerged and been elected to parliament, making it very hard to form parliamentary majorities and select an executive branch capable of achieving results that would satisfy large sections of the population. In part in response to the challenges of governing under such fragmented parliaments, fascism sought to inspire nationalist loyalty to a single leader who would forcefully get “positive” results. 36

The Nazism that governed Germany from 1934 to 1945 was a particularly vile expression of fascism. Inspired by the Italian Fascist Benito Mussolini , who ruled Italy from 1922 to 1943, Germany’s Adolf Hitler (1889–1945) developed a fascist ideology that sought to consolidate political power in the hands of one ruler. Nazism opposed much in modern life—especially the freedoms that Germans enjoyed under the Weimar Republic (1919–1933), which Hitler found decadent. But in other ways, Nazism was very modern. It embraced industrialization and rejected any lingering privileges of hereditary aristocracy in Germany. It sought to undermine culturally entrenched forms of religion in Germany, going so far as to advance its own modified form of the faith, led by the Nazi-controlled Reich bishop, which it called German Christianity. 37 A form of totalitarianism, Nazism sought the coordination of the whole of society around Nazi ideology.

To these views, Nazism added a horrific form of race-based hatred of Jews and other races, such as Slavs (the native population of eastern Europe). It justified this racism on the basis of what it saw as modern “science.” Nazi racism mitigated its commitment to nationalism and supplemented it with an appeal to all “Aryans,” seeking alliances beyond Germany with other “Aryan” nations. Fueled by extreme hatred, the Nazis carried out the Holocaust , the systematic and partially successful attempt to exterminate all Jews and others they deemed inferior, resulting in the murder of many millions of people in Europe. 38 To date, the Holocaust is the worst genocide in human history.

Mein Kampf : Hitler’s Nazi Philosophy

In his manifesto, Mein Kampf , Adolf Hitler articulated Nazi philosophy, which aimed, under the unquestioned authority of the führer, to exterminate those who did not belong to what Nazis considered to be the master race.

Mid-20th-Century Western Authoritarianism

Several European countries in the 20th century sought to avoid fascism and communism, yet resisted adopting the liberal tradition. During the 20th century, Portugal came to be governed by the principles of authoritarianism , an ideology that may allow freedoms in nonpolitical life but does not permit any political challenge to the ruler. From 1932 to 1968, the authoritarian prime minister of Portugal, António Salazar , attempted to create a state ruled exclusively by his own party that would permit a substantial (though incomplete) measure of economic and personal freedoms and respect for human rights. Portugal was considered a safe haven from Nazi oppression, and the government undertook efforts to grant false visas and asylum for Jews, especially those from eastern Europe. Portugal tolerated religious dissent, and it had a relatively free and open economy. 39 Defenders justified the principle of authoritarian rule on the basis that the democratic selection of rulers was just too dangerous. Would the people be consumed by the passions aroused by the Nazis as they sought to defeat communism and protect what they called the higher race? Or would they be captivated by the call for equality, spearheaded by the working class, and embrace Soviet-style communism? To avoid either, Portugal instituted an undemocratic authoritarian system governed by a leader who, it was hoped, would rule with moderation and sensitivity to basic rights.

Contemporary Authoritarianism: Egypt

In recent years, authoritarianism has expanded in parts of the world. In 2011 and 2012, the Arab Spring emerged in countries such as Egypt and Tunisia to remove authoritarian leaders and transform these states into representative democracies. In Egypt, uprisings led to the removal from office of longtime authoritarian ruler Hosni Mubarak in 2011. In the elections that followed, Mohamed Morsi , a member of an Islamic extremist organization, the Muslim Brotherhood , was elected president. Amid protests following his election, former military general Abdel Fattah el-Sisi seized power. Sisi has since consolidated his power to ensure his unopposed rule, having justified this assumption of unchecked power with the same argument advanced by the authoritarian ruler António Salazar: the people cannot be trusted to select appropriate leaders. This judgment is advanced as a serious ideological position in large parts of the world.

How the Arab Spring Started and How It Affected the World

The Arab Spring started with a single protest in Tunisia in 2011 and spread throughout the Middle East and Northern Africa.

Contemporary Chinese Communism

Although the Soviet Union, which based its government on ideas inspired by Marx, collapsed in 1991, communism persists as a political ideology. In fact, the most populous country on Earth, the People’s Republic of China, is currently governed by a regime committed to a version of communist ideology. In China, no individual who is not a member of the Chinese Communist Party may hold political office.

Under the leadership of Mao Zedong , the Communist Party seized power in 1949. Mao, who served as the premier of China until his death in 1976, developed a distinctive form of Marxist-Leninist ideology that came to be known as Maoism. Maoism held that the Chinese peasantry, and not the industrial workers, could and should be the agents ushering in communism; all that they needed was to be led, shaped, and molded by a sufficiently powerful political party. The peasants, Mao argued, had many of the attributes that Marx believed would lead to a revolution and to the creation of the communist condition. Mao contended that the peasants’ poverty made them miserable, their ignorance made them malleable, and their supposed natural combativeness made them open to embracing change through revolutionary struggle. What the peasants lacked that Marx believed the urban industrial workers had was a team-spiritedness and a shared class consciousness. Hence, for Mao, what the masses needed to mold them into a revolutionary force was a strong revolutionary party (what Lenin called a vanguard) with exclusive political power.

Mao viewed urban, intellectual groups with special suspicion, and from 1966 to 1976, he made them targets for persecution in the Cultural Revolution , a movement led mostly by student-run battalions of militant activists known as Red Guards who worked to silence dissent. Because China during Mao’s reign had a population of over 800 million, Mao felt that these measures were the only way to achieve the goals of the Chinese Communist Party.

Before Mao died in 1976, he declared that China was in the “initial stage of socialism.” His successor, Deng Xiaoping, argued that although great work had been achieved under Mao, the goal of a classless society was still a ways off, and therefore, economic experimentation in alternative ways to achieve the communist goals was justifiable. 40

Instead of controlling every aspect of economic production, Deng instituted a policy, still ongoing in China today, that allows private property and free markets in a controlled manner. The policy primarily allows consumer items (always under the strict supervision of the Communist Party) as a way to achieve increased economic productivity. The Chinese government has also introduced limited religious freedoms to enhance individuals’ life satisfaction in order to increase their economic efficiency. After the productive forces of society become sufficient to meet everyone’s needs, Deng promised, communism would emerge.

As communism arose, Deng argued, China would shift away from a profit-based economy to one in which creating and distributing products people need, rather than profiteering, would drive economic output. According to Deng, at this final stage, religion would also disappear because the product-based economy would alleviate human misery, eliminating the need for the “opiate” of religion. Finally, the Communist Party’s firm control over the population would come to an end. This is similar to Rousseau ’s suggestion that when people become liberated from the drive for personal profit, they will be freed not only from economic and political repression but also from the way it warped their psychology. For communist states, at least in theory, the ultimate goal is liberation; repression is not an intrinsic value, only the necessary means to the desired end point of genuine human liberty.

When the current leader of the Chinese Communist Party, Xi Jinping, assumed office in 2012, he reaffirmed China’s adherence to utilizing market freedoms to achieve the final goal of communism. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of maintaining strong party control. To this end, he has increased state regulation of religion, education, and the media. Most religions face increasing persecution under Xi , but because he sees the traditional Chinese belief system of Confucianism , which emphasizes social cooperation, order, and hierarchy, as a complement to Communist Party goals, he has tolerated its reemergence. Primarily, Xi has encouraged the Chinese populace to derive meaning and moral guidance from a firm attachment to Marxist ideals. To deepen support for the Communist Party, the regime has touted the dramatic reduction in poverty that has occurred in China over the last several decades. 41

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Communism vs. Fascism

What's the difference.

Communism and Fascism are two distinct political ideologies that emerged in the 20th century, each with its own set of principles and goals. While both systems are authoritarian in nature, they differ significantly in their economic and social structures. Communism advocates for the abolition of private property and the establishment of a classless society, where the means of production are owned and controlled by the state. On the other hand, Fascism promotes a totalitarian regime led by a single dictator, emphasizing extreme nationalism, militarism, and the suppression of individual freedoms. Despite their differences, both ideologies have been associated with oppressive regimes and human rights abuses throughout history.

Further Detail

Introduction.

Communism and Fascism are two distinct political ideologies that emerged in the 20th century, each with its own set of attributes and principles. While both systems are authoritarian in nature, they differ significantly in their economic structures, social policies, and views on individual rights. This article aims to explore and compare the key attributes of Communism and Fascism, shedding light on their similarities and differences.

1. Economic Structure

Communism advocates for a classless society where the means of production are owned and controlled by the community as a whole. In a communist system, private property is abolished, and resources are distributed based on the principle of "from each according to their ability, to each according to their needs." This means that the state plays a central role in planning and directing economic activities.

On the other hand, Fascism supports a mixed economy where private property exists, but the state exercises significant control over economic activities. While private businesses are allowed to operate, they are heavily regulated and directed by the government to serve the interests of the nation. Fascist economies often prioritize the needs of the state and national goals over individual economic freedom.

2. Social Policies

Communism aims to create a society where social classes are eradicated, and everyone is considered equal. It promotes the idea of collective ownership and collective decision-making, with the ultimate goal of achieving a classless society. In a communist system, social policies often focus on providing universal access to education, healthcare, and other basic necessities, aiming to ensure equal opportunities for all members of society.

Conversely, Fascism emphasizes the importance of a hierarchical society, where individuals are divided into distinct social classes based on their perceived value to the nation. Fascist regimes often promote nationalism, militarism, and the idea of a strong leader who embodies the will of the nation. Social policies in Fascism tend to prioritize the interests of the ruling elite and the dominant ethnic or national group, often leading to discrimination against minority groups.

3. Views on Individual Rights

Communism places a strong emphasis on collective rights and the well-being of the community over individual rights. While it aims to eliminate social inequalities, individual freedoms such as freedom of speech, press, and assembly are often limited or suppressed in communist regimes. The state exercises significant control over the lives of individuals to ensure conformity to the collective goals and ideology.

In contrast, Fascism tends to prioritize the interests of the state and the ruling elite over individual rights. While some individual freedoms may exist, they are often subject to the state's control and can be curtailed in the name of national security or the preservation of the regime. Fascist regimes tend to suppress dissent and opposition, promoting a strong sense of obedience and loyalty to the state.

4. Role of the State

In Communism, the state plays a central role in planning and directing economic activities, as well as ensuring social equality. It exercises control over various aspects of society, including the economy, education, and media. The state is seen as the primary vehicle for achieving the communist ideal of a classless society.

Similarly, Fascism advocates for a strong and centralized state that exercises significant control over all aspects of society. The state is viewed as the embodiment of the nation's will and acts as the ultimate authority. Fascist regimes often employ propaganda and censorship to shape public opinion and maintain control over the population.

While both Communism and Fascism are authoritarian ideologies, they differ in their economic structures, social policies, and views on individual rights. Communism aims for a classless society with collective ownership and decision-making, while Fascism supports a hierarchical society with private property but significant state control. Communism focuses on social equality and collective well-being, while Fascism prioritizes the interests of the state and ruling elite. Understanding these differences is crucial in analyzing the impact and consequences of these ideologies throughout history.

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Communism vs. Fascism: Which Ideology Will Prevail?

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Communism and fascism are two political ideologies that have played a significant role in shaping the modern world. Both ideologies emerged in Europe in the early to mid-20th century and have been the subject of much debate and controversy ever since. While communism advocates for a classless society and economic equality, fascism is a nationalistic and authoritarian system that emphasizes a strict hierarchy and the rule of an all-powerful dictator.

In this article, we will explore the key differences between communism and fascism, including their origins, ideologies, and impact on society. We will examine the similarities and differences between these two ideologies, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the fundamental differences between communism and fascism, and be able to form your own opinions on which ideology is better suited for society.

Communism vs. Fascism – Image

Origins and History: Communism vs. Fascism

Communism: Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels

Communism is a political and economic ideology that seeks to establish a classless society in which all property and resources are collectively owned and controlled. The origins of communism can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published “The Communist Manifesto” in 1848.

Marx and Engels argued that capitalism was inherently exploitative and that the only way to achieve true equality and freedom was through a socialist revolution that would overthrow the ruling class and establish a dictatorship of the proletariat. They believed that this dictatorship would eventually wither away, leading to a classless society in which all individuals would have equal access to resources and opportunities.

The Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in 1917 was the first successful attempt to establish a communist state. However, the implementation of communism in the Soviet Union and other countries led to authoritarian regimes, human rights abuses, and economic inefficiencies.

Fascism: Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler

Fascism is a political ideology that emphasizes authoritarianism, nationalism, and the supremacy of the state. It emerged in the early 20th century in Italy under the leadership of Benito Mussolini and later spread to other countries, including Germany under the leadership of Adolf Hitler.

Mussolini believed that Italy was in a state of crisis and needed a strong leader to restore order and national pride. He advocated for the use of violence and propaganda to suppress opposition and establish a one-party state. Hitler, who was influenced by Mussolini’s ideas, rose to power in Germany in 1933 and implemented similar policies, including the persecution of Jews and other minority groups.

Fascism reached its peak during World War II, when fascist regimes in Germany, Italy, and Japan waged war against the Allied Powers. However, the defeat of these regimes and the atrocities committed during the war discredited fascism as a viable political ideology.

In conclusion, communism and fascism are two distinct political ideologies with different origins and histories. While communism seeks to establish a classless society through collective ownership and control, fascism emphasizes authoritarianism, nationalism, and the supremacy of the state. Both ideologies have had significant impacts on world history, including the Bolshevik Revolution, World War II, and the Cultural Revolution in China.

Key Principles and Beliefs

In this section, we will explore the key principles and beliefs of communism and fascism. While they may seem like polar opposites, both ideologies have shaped the course of history and continue to influence politics and societies around the world.

Communism: Equality and Common Ownership

Communism is a system that is based on the principles of economic equality and the abolition of private property. It advocates for a classless society where everyone has equal access to resources and opportunities. The goal of communism is to create a utopian society where everyone is equal and there is no exploitation.

Under communism, all resources and means of production are owned collectively. This means that there is no private ownership of land, factories, or other assets. Instead, everything is owned by the community as a whole, and decisions about how to use these resources are made democratically.

Fascism: Nationalism and Strength

Fascism, on the other hand, is a nationalistic and authoritarian ideology that emphasizes the importance of strength, discipline, and unity. It is characterized by extreme militaristic nationalism, a belief in natural social hierarchy, and the rule of elites. Fascism seeks to create a Volksgemeinschaft, or a “people’s community,” where everyone is united by a shared sense of identity and purpose.

Under fascism, the state is seen as the embodiment of the nation and the ultimate authority. Individual rights and freedoms are subordinated to the needs of the state, and dissent is not tolerated. Fascist regimes often use violence and repression to maintain their power and suppress opposition.

In conclusion, communism and fascism represent two fundamentally different approaches to politics and society. While communism emphasizes equality and collective ownership, fascism emphasizes nationalism and strength. Both ideologies have had a significant impact on the course of history, and their legacies continue to shape the world today.

Political Structure and Government Control

The political structure and government control in communism and fascism are vastly different. In this section, we will explore the differences between the two systems by examining the government structures and the level of control exerted by the state.

Communist Government

Communism is a system of government that advocates for a classless society and the abolition of private property. In a communist government, the state controls all aspects of the economy, including the means of production. The government is run by a single party, usually the Communist Party, which holds a monopoly on political power.

The Communist Party is led by a General Secretary, who is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the party and the state. The party also has a Politburo, which is responsible for making policy decisions. The Politburo is made up of the most senior members of the Communist Party.

Under communism, the government exerts a high level of control over the lives of its citizens. The state controls the media, education, and all other aspects of society. Dissent is not tolerated, and political opposition is often met with harsh punishment.

Fascist Government

Fascism is a system of government that is characterized by extreme nationalism, authoritarianism, and the suppression of political opposition. In a fascist government, the state controls all aspects of society, including the economy, the media, and education.

The government is run by a dictator who holds absolute power. The dictator is often the leader of a single political party, such as the National Fascist Party in Italy. The dictator is supported by a group of loyal followers who help him maintain power.

Under fascism, the government exerts a high level of control over the lives of its citizens. The state uses propaganda and censorship to control the media and shape public opinion. Dissent is not tolerated, and political opposition is often met with violence.

In conclusion, the political structure and government control in communism and fascism are vastly different. While communism advocates for a classless society and the abolition of private property, fascism is characterized by extreme nationalism, authoritarianism, and the suppression of political opposition. Both systems exert a high level of control over the lives of their citizens, but the methods used to achieve this control are vastly different.

Economic Systems

In this section, we will explore the economic systems of communism and fascism. Both communism and fascism have different economic systems that are distinct from each other and from other ideologies.

Communist Economy

Communism is a system that advocates for a classless society and economic equality. In a communist economy, the government owns all the means of production and distribution of goods and services. Private property is abolished, and the state controls all resources. The goal of communism is to distribute wealth equally among all citizens.

In a communist economy, the government decides what goods and services are produced, how much is produced, and at what price. The government also determines the distribution of wealth, and everyone is paid according to their needs. The idea behind communism is that it creates a fair and just society where everyone has equal access to goods and services.

Fascist Economy

Fascism is a nationalistic, top-down system with rigid class roles that is ruled by an all-powerful dictator. In a fascist economy, the government controls all aspects of the economy, but private property is allowed. The government decides what goods and services are produced, and how much is produced, but private individuals are allowed to own and operate their businesses.

Fascism supports private production as long as it serves nationalistic purposes. The goal of fascism is to create a strong and powerful nation that is self-sufficient and can stand on its own. The distribution of wealth in a fascist economy is not equal, and the government provides benefits to those who are loyal to the state.

In conclusion, communism and fascism have different economic systems. In a communist economy, the government owns all the means of production and distribution of goods and services, while in a fascist economy, private property is allowed, but the government controls all aspects of the economy. Both systems have their strengths and weaknesses, and it is up to each society to decide which system works best for them.

Impact on Society

Communism and fascism are two ideologies that have had a significant impact on society. Both have their own unique views on how society should be structured and governed. In this section, we will explore the impact of these ideologies on various aspects of society.

Role of Women and Youth

In communism, women were seen as equal to men and were encouraged to work outside the home. The goal was to create an egalitarian society where everyone had equal opportunities regardless of their gender. Youth were also given a prominent role in society and were encouraged to participate in political activities.

In contrast, fascism had a more traditional view of gender roles. Women were expected to stay at home and take care of the family, while men were seen as the breadwinners. Youth were also expected to be obedient to authority and were often used as a tool for propaganda.

Media and Propaganda

Both communism and fascism recognized the importance of media and propaganda in shaping public opinion. In communism, the media was used as a tool to educate the masses about the benefits of socialism and to promote the party’s agenda. Propaganda was also used to encourage people to participate in political activities and to support the party.

In fascism, the media was controlled by the state and used to promote the party’s ideology. Propaganda was often used to create a cult of personality around the leader and to demonize political opponents.

Overall, communism and fascism had a significant impact on society. While communism aimed to create a classless, egalitarian society, fascism promoted a social hierarchy and the rule of elites. The role of women and youth, as well as the use of media and propaganda, were also impacted by these ideologies.

Communism vs. Fascism: A Comparative Analysis

Communism and fascism are two of the most significant political ideologies that emerged in the 20th century. While communism advocates for a classless society and economic equality, fascism is a top-down, nationalistic system with rigid class roles that is ruled by an all-powerful dictator.

Both communism and fascism originated in Europe and gained popularity in the early to mid 20th century. The ideologies have some similarities, but they differ in many ways.

One of the key differences between communism and fascism is their approach to leadership. In communism, leadership is collective and democratic, with decisions being made by a committee or council. In contrast, fascism is characterized by a single leader who has absolute power and control over the government and society.

Another significant difference between communism and fascism is their approach to political parties. In communism, political parties are not allowed, and the government controls all aspects of society. In contrast, fascism allows political parties, but they are subservient to the state and must support the ruling party’s ideology.

Communism and fascism also differ in their approach to revolution. Communism advocates for a proletarian revolution, where the working class overthrows the ruling class and establishes a socialist society. Fascism, on the other hand, does not advocate for revolution but instead emphasizes the importance of maintaining the status quo and preserving traditional values and culture.

Finally, communism and fascism differ in their approach to industry. In communism, all industries are owned and controlled by the state, while in fascism, industry is privately owned but tightly controlled by the government.

In conclusion, communism and fascism are two vastly different ideologies with different approaches to leadership, political parties, revolution, and industry. While communism emphasizes economic equality and a classless society, fascism emphasizes nationalism and traditional values.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between fascism and communism?

Fascism is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of a strong government led by a single dictator. It promotes nationalism, militarism, and the suppression of individual rights. On the other hand, communism is a system that advocates for economic equality and a classless society. It emphasizes the importance of collective ownership of property and resources. The main difference between fascism and communism is that fascism is a top-down system with rigid class roles, while communism is a bottom-up system that seeks to eliminate class distinctions.

How do communism and fascism differ in their economic systems?

Communism advocates for collective ownership of property and resources, while fascism supports private ownership as long as it serves nationalistic purposes. In a communist system, the government controls the means of production and distribution of goods and services. In contrast, fascism allows for private enterprise, but the government heavily regulates and controls it to serve the needs of the nation.

What are the similarities and differences between fascism and socialism?

Fascism and socialism are similar in that they both promote collective action and the importance of the community over the individual. However, socialism seeks to achieve economic equality through the redistribution of wealth, while fascism emphasizes the importance of a strong government and the suppression of individual rights. In a socialist system, the government controls the means of production and distribution of goods and services, while in fascism, private enterprise is allowed but heavily regulated.

What is the main difference between fascism and Marxism?

The main difference between fascism and Marxism is that fascism emphasizes the importance of a strong government and nationalism, while Marxism seeks to eliminate class distinctions and promote economic equality. Marxism advocates for the overthrow of the capitalist system and the establishment of a socialist society, while fascism seeks to preserve the existing social order through the use of force and suppression of dissent.

How does fascism compare to capitalism and socialism?

Fascism differs from capitalism in that it emphasizes the importance of a strong government and national unity over individual rights and freedoms. In a capitalist system, the government plays a minimal role in the economy, while in fascism, the government heavily regulates and controls the economy. Fascism also differs from socialism in that it allows for private enterprise, while socialism advocates for collective ownership of property and resources.

What are the similarities and differences between communism and totalitarianism?

Totalitarianism is a system of government in which the state has complete control over all aspects of society, including the economy, media, and individual rights. Communism is a form of totalitarianism that seeks to achieve economic equality and a classless society. The main difference between communism and other forms of totalitarianism is that communism emphasizes the importance of collective ownership of property and resources, while other forms of totalitarianism may allow for private enterprise.

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Communism vs. Fascism

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Fascism vs. Communism: What Is The Difference Between Fascism And Communism?

Fascism and communism are two very different political ideologies. Fascism is a right-wing ideology that believes in the supremacy of the state over the individual. Communism, on the other hand, is a left-wing ideology that believes in the equality of all people.

So, what is the difference between fascism and communism? Well, let’s take a closer look at each ideology to find out.

Fascism believes in a strong, centralized government that controls all aspects of society. The government is led by a dictator who has absolute power. Fascism promotes nationalism and often uses violence to achieve its goals.

 Communism, on the other hand, believes in a classless society where all people are equal. The government is run by the people, for the people. There is no private property in communism, and all resources are shared equally.

The main difference between fascism and communism is their beliefs about the role of government.

Table of Contents

What Is Fascism?

Fascism is a political ideology that emphasizes the need for a strong, central government and national unity. Fascists believe that a nation is strongest when its people are united under a single, strong leader. They advocate for strict controls on society and the economy, and often use violence and intimidation to achieve their goals. Fascism typically includes elements of nationalism, racism, and anti-communism. Fascism rose to prominence in Europe in the early 20th century, and was a major force in World War II.

What Is Communism?

Communism is an economic and political system in which property and resources are communally owned and distributed equally. This system is based on the belief that everyone should work according to their abilities and be rewarded based on their needs. Communism has been tried in several countries, but it has never been fully implemented. Critics argue that Communism is impractical and leads to dictatorship and oppression.

Key Differences Between Fascism And Communism

There are a few key differences between Fascism and Communism. For one, Fascism is a form of government that typically has a strong, centralized government, while Communism is typically a form of government that has a more decentralized government. Additionally, Fascism typically advocates for a more hierarchical society, while Communism typically advocates for a more egalitarian society. Finally, Fascism is usually more nationalistic, while Communism is usually more internationalist.

Fascism vs. Communism Similarities

There are a few key similarities between fascism and communism. Both ideologies seek to control the masses and create a utopian society. They both advocate for a strong central government and a single party system. In addition, they both suppress individual rights and freedoms in favor of the collective good.

• Both Fascism and Communism are ideologic and totalitarian regimes.
• Both Fascism and Communism were characterized by ruthless suppression of opposition.
• Both Fascism and Communism led to social and economic setbacks.

Fascism vs. Communism Pros and Cons

Fascism pros & cons.

Fascism Pros

Fascism is a political ideology that rose to prominence in the early 20th century. Fascism typically embraces strong autocratic leaders, aggressive nationalism, and a commitment to maintaining traditional social hierarchies. Fascism has been associated with totalitarianism, and it has been used as a tool for repression by dictatorial regimes. However, fascism also has been praised for its commitment to order, its defense of traditional values, and its promotion of economic development.

• Fascism makes government more efficient and responsive to public needs
• Fascism can make government less wasteful and more responsive to the needs of citizens
• Fascism can also make government less corrupt
• Fascism makes government more responsive to public needs

Fascism Cons

Fascism is a political ideology that rose to prominence in the early 20th century. Fascism typically includes extreme nationalism, totalitarianism, anti-communism, and other far-rightwing ideologies. Disadvantages of fascism include its repressive and dictatorial nature, as well as its propensity for aggressive and expansionist foreign policy. Additionally, fascism often leads to economic decline and instability, as well as a general deterioration of civil liberties and human rights.

• The fascists’ propaganda is full of lies
• Fascism is an authoritarian form of government
• The fascist’s propaganda manipulates the public into supporting them
• Fascism leads to more war, more misery, more death and destruction
• Fascism leads to more poverty
• Fascism leads to more suffering

Communism Pros & Cons

Communism Pros

There are many advantages and pros to communism. One of the main advantages is that it creates equality among citizens. In communism, everyone is given the same opportunities and resources, which helps to reduce crime and poverty. Communism also allows for the fair distribution of resources, so that everyone has what they need to live a comfortable life. Another pro of communism is that it can lead to a more efficient economy, since there is no competition among businesses. Communism also encourages people to work together for the common good, which can lead to a strong sense of community.

• It is more equalitarian in nature
• No private property
• People do not have to work
• No competition
• No need for money
• People get whatever they need

Communism Cons

There are a number of disadvantages and criticisms of Communism. Critics argue that Communism is not compatible with democracy, individual freedom, or capitalism. They also argue that Communist regimes have been responsible for a number of human rights violations. Additionally, some argue that Communism has not been successful in achieving its goals of economic equality and social justice.

• No healthcare
• No free education
• No entertainment
• No job security
• No freedom of speech
• No freedom of religion

Comparison Chart

Comparison Video

In conclusion, Fascism and communism are two forms of dictatorial regimes that seek to control all aspects of society. The difference between the two is that the fascist regime utilizes violence to further its cause whereas communism is achieved through imposing restrictions on the people.

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Michael Dorns is a media researcher and investigator at Difference 101. He graduated from California State University, Los Angeles, with a B.A. in English literature. He enjoys American literature, technology, animals, and sports. Michael has lived in four different countries on three continents and has also visited forty-two states and thirty-three countries. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California, with his wife and two children.

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Communism and Fascism were two political ideologies that first appeared in the early 20th century. Both philosophies continue to be divisive and contentious subjects of discussion and have had a tremendous impact on world history.

Communism is a political and economic ideology that supports the dissolution of social classes and the shared ownership of the means of production. The fundamental tenet of communism is that everyone in society should have equal access to the wealth and resources generated by the group. A dictatorship of the proletariat, in which the working class controls the political system, is used to achieve this. The ultimate aim of communism is the creation of a classless society in which everyone cooperates for the benefit of all.

Fascism is an authoritarian, nationalistic ideology that places a higher value on the state and the nation than it does on the individual. The state should run the economy and should repress political opposition, according to fascism. A single person frequently referred to as a dictator, is in charge of the fascist government and has total authority over both the state and its people. Fascism frequently encourages racism and xenophobia and places a strong emphasis on national identity and solidarity.

What is Fascism?

Far-right authoritarianism, known as fascism, aims to establish a centralized, totalitarian state under the control of one party or leader. Nationalism, militarism, and the repression of political dissent are highlighted by fascism. It encourages a market economy with tight governmental regulation.

Aggressive nationalism, anti-Semitism, anti-communism, and anti-Semitism, or the idea that some ethnic or racial groups are superior to others and should be dominant, are features of fascism. Fascists reject democracy and the concept of individual rights; instead, they support a powerful, single-person, centralized government. Additionally, they support tight controls on the media and education, and they frequently employ propaganda to manipulate the populace.

Italian political theorist Benito Mussolini created fascism in the early 20th century, and it was implemented in his country during the 1920s and 1930s. World War II saw the development of fascism throughout Europe, and Nazi Germany’s fascist government, led by Adolf Hitler, was a significant player in the conflict.

Origins of Fascism

Italian political theorist Benito Mussolini created fascism for the first time in the early 20th century. According to him, the needs of the state should come before those of the nation and the state, and each person’s rights should be respected to the extent possible. He also opposed the notion of class conflict and advocated for a “corporatist” state in which people were grouped or “corporates” according to their line of work or industry.

The Fasci di Combattimento (Fascist Party) was established by Mussolini in 1919 and promoted a strong centralized government, aggressive nationalism, anti-Semitism, anti-communism, and anti-Semitism. He organized the “March on Rome” in 1922, at which time they overthrew the government and installed a fascist regime in Italy.

Additionally, the fascist philosophy spread throughout Europe, especially in Germany, where it was embraced by the Nazi party, which Adolf Hitler led. Due to the important role played by Nazi Germany’s fascist administration, fascism had a significant impact on World War II.

Criticism of Fascism 

Scholars, politicians, and activists have harshly attacked fascism for its totalitarian tendencies, support of nationalism and racial superiority, and disrespect for the rights and liberties of the individual.

• Fascism is frequently criticized for being totalitarian, where the state dominates society and represses dissent. Fascism, according to its detractors, results in the repression of individual liberties and rights as well as the degradation of democracy.
• Nationalism and the idea of racial supremacy are frequent criticisms of fascism. Fascism is frequently linked to anti-Semitism, the persecution of minorities, and other behaviors that have resulted in violations of human rights and genocide.
• Fascism is also frequently criticized for its militarism and aggressive foreign policy, which have resulted in war and aggressive military expansion.
• Fascism is also criticized for its economic policies, which are sometimes described as corporatist. In a corporatist economy, the state and private enterprises collaborate closely at the expense of people’s rights and liberties.

Principles of Fascism

The following are some fascist principles:

• Nationalism: Fascists hold that the demands of the country should come before individual rights and that the country is the ultimate authority. They encourage abrasive nationalism and frequently employ propaganda to foster a sense of belonging and national pride.
• Authoritarianism: Fascists oppose democracy and favor a powerful, centralized administration run by a single person or group. To keep the populace under control and silence political dissent, they frequently deploy propaganda.
• Militarism: Fascists advocate for a powerful military and frequently employ it to bolster their power both at home and abroad. Fascists frequently advance the notion that one race or ethnicity is superior and persecute those they view as inferior, particularly Jews and communists.
• Corporatism: Fascists frequently classify people into “corporations” depending on their professions or industries in order to foster a sense of cohesion and solidarity among the various groups.
• Control of the media and education: Fascists frequently employ propaganda to subdue the populace and crush political opposition, and strong control over the media and education is a key tool in achieving this objective.
• Economic policies: Fascists frequently want a capitalist economy with tight state regulation. They frequently support self-sufficiency, protectionism, and public works initiatives.

Features of Fascism

The following are some important features of fascism:

• Authoritarian rule: In a fascist society, a single individual or a small group of individuals hold absolute power over the government and the people.
• Economic state control: The state has a substantial role in managing and guiding the economy in a fascist society. This can involve heavily regulated private firms, protectionist trade policies, and state-controlled sectors.
• Suppression of political opposition: In a fascist society, censorship, incarceration, or violence are frequently used to silence political opposition.
• Fascism: Fascism frequently promotes the notion of a superior nation or race and emphasizes the value of national identity and solidarity.
• Militarism: Fascism frequently encourages aggressive military expansion and the exaltation of the armed forces.
• Racism and anti-Semitism: Numerous fascist regimes have pushed racist and anti-Semitic ideologies, frequently resulting in the persecution of minority communities.
• Corporatist economic theory: The fascist economic theory is predicated on the notion of an alliance between the state, big business, and labor unions.

Fascist Country 

Following are a few examples of countries led by fascist governments:

• From 1922 to 1943, Benito Mussolini led Italy.
• From 1933 to 1945, Adolf Hitler served as the nation’s leader.
• Francisco Franco led Spain from 1939 to 1975.
• Up until the end of World War II, Japan was governed by the military.
• Some historians have characterized the Saddam Hussein dictatorship in Iraq as having fascist features.

What is Communism?

The political and economic ideology known as communism aims to create a classless, stateless society in which all citizens own and control the means of production. In the middle of the 19th century, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels developed the idea of communism because they believed that capitalism—an economic system in which private individuals own the means of production—leads to the exploitation of the working class by the capitalist class.

The fundamental tenet of communism is the elimination of class inequalities and the exploitation of one class by another in favor of universal access to the means of production and distribution of commodities and services. The state would own and manage the means of production in a communist society, and products and services would be distributed in accordance with local requirements.

In order to create a society without classes, communism calls for the abolition of the state as well as the elimination of private property. The ultimate goal is to create a society where there is no need for any type of authority or government and where everyone collaborates to meet everyone’s needs.

Origins of Communism

The work of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the middle of the 19th century is where communism first emerged. Marx, a German philosopher, economist, and journalist, created the communist theory in response to the Industrial Revolution’s economic and social conditions.

Marx and Engels presented their ideas for a classless, stateless society in which the means of production are owned and managed by the people as a whole in “The Communist Manifesto,” which was published in 1848. They held the view that the capitalist class exploits the working class as a result of capitalism, the economic system in which private persons possess the means of production. They also thought that in order to eliminate capitalism and create a classless society, a communist revolution was required.

Later communist theorists, including Vladimir Lenin, refined and developed Marx’s views and tailored them to the unique circumstances of Russia in order to help spark the communist revolution there in 1917. The labor movement and anti-colonialism are two more movements that have been influenced by communism.

Principles of Communism

The main principles of communism are as follows:.

• Elimination of private property: According to communists, class divisions and the exploitation of one class by another are largely caused by private ownership of the means of production. As a result, they support ending private property and establishing collective ownership of the means of production.
• Collective ownership of the means of production: In a communist society, the state would own and manage the means of production and distribute products and services in accordance with local needs.
• Elimination of social classes: Communists seek to abolish social classes by establishing a society devoid of them because they feel that they are a significant source of inequality and exploitation.
• Creating a planned economy: Communists support the establishment of a planned economy in which production and distribution are managed by a central organization rather than by free market forces.
• The State’s Demise: According to communists, the state should be abolished since it serves as a tool for the ruling class to preserve its dominance and oppress the working class.
• Internationalism: Communists support a world revolution to bring about a classless society because they hold that the working class knows no boundaries.
• Proletarian Revolution: According to communist theory, the revolution that would create a communist society will be led by the working class, or “proletariat.”

Features of Communism

The following are some important features of communism:

• Common ownership: In a communist society, the community as a whole, rather than specific people or for-profit businesses, owns and controls the means of production (such as factories, land, and resources).
• Elimination of social classes: The ultimate aim of communism is to establish a classless society in which there are no disparities between rich and poor, capitalist and worker, and in which everyone cooperates for the common benefit.
• Proletariat dictatorship: In a communist society, the working class controls politics through a proletariat dictatorship. In other words, the working class controls the government and decides how society is administered.
• Collective decision-making: Important decisions are decided collectively by the community in a communist society rather than by specific leaders or groups of leaders.
• Economic equality: All members of society receive an equal share of the resources and riches in a communist society. This aims to end poverty and guarantee that everyone has access to the resources they require to lead fulfilling lives.
• Internationalism: Communism advocates the belief that workers worldwide should band together and cooperate with one another.

Communist Country

A country whose government respects communism’s ideals as a political and economic system is said to be a communist nation. Common ownership of the means of production, the abolition of social classes, and a proletariat dictatorship are frequently included in this. Several nations that have been cited as being communist include:

• Sputnik Union (1922-1991)
• China (1949- present)
• Cuba (1959- present)
• Laos Vietnam (1975- present)
•  North Korea (1948- present)

Advantages of the Communist Society 

• Economic equality: According to this theory, all members of society receive an equal share of the resources and wealth in a communist society. This aims to end poverty and guarantee that everyone has access to the resources they require to lead fulfilling lives.
• Collective decision-making: Important decisions are decided collectively by the community in a communist society rather than by specific leaders or groups of leaders. This may result in a society that is more just and equal.
• The end of unemployment: Since the government controls the means of production in a communist society, private ownership of firms is unnecessary. As a result, there are no longer any unemployed people.
• More social security: In a communist society, the government is in charge of meeting all of the citizens’ requirements, including housing, healthcare, and education. Individuals and families may feel more secure as a result of this.
• Better access equality to resources: In a communist society, the government regulates the allocation of resources, which might result in greater access equality to resources like food, housing, and healthcare.

Disadvantages of the Communist Society 

• Lack of incentives: Because resources and wealth are allocated equally in communist societies regardless of effort or productivity, people are frequently not motivated to work hard or develop. This may result in a lack of drive and slow economic progress.
• Inefficient resource distribution: In a communist society, the government controls the distribution of resources, which can result in inefficient resource distribution because decisions are made primarily on political rather than economic factors.
• Lack of political freedom: Political opposition is suppressed and the government controls all facets of life, including the media and the educational system, in a communist society. This may result in less political democracy and reduced freedom of speech.
• Lack of customer choice: Because the government regulates production and distribution, there is frequently limited consumer choice in a communist society. This may result in a lack of choice and high-quality products and services.
• Lack of innovation and entrepreneurship: Because private ownership is prohibited in communist societies, it is difficult for people to take chances and launch their own firms. This may result in a lack of entrepreneurship and innovation, which could impede economic progress.
• Human rights violations: In reality, many communist regimes have been linked to violations of human rights, including the repression of political opposition and the use of force to hold onto power.

Role of the State in Communism and Fascism?

In both communism and fascism, the state plays a very different role.

Communists believe that the state should only be used as a short-term means of establishing a classless society and overthrowing the capitalist system. The ultimate objective is for the state to “wither away” as society degenerates into a classless, stateless entity. Theoretically, a state or government would not be required in a fully evolved communist society.

In fascism, a powerful centralized government run by a single leader or party is viewed as the ultimate authority. The state is utilized to advance the objectives of the country and the ruler and is considered as a means in and of itself. In order to preserve authority, political opposition is frequently suppressed, and individual rights are prioritized before state needs.

Impact of Communism and Fascism on the Current Politics

Political ideologies like fascism and communism have had a tremendous impact on world history and are still present in today’s politics.

Communism was initially practiced in Russia in 1917 and eventually extended to other nations, including China, Cuba, and Vietnam. It argues for the shared ownership of property and the means of production. The emergence of communist regimes in a number of nations, which prompted important social and economic reforms, including the collectivization of agriculture and the nationalization of industries, is one of communism’s long-lasting effects on world history. However, the adoption of communism also resulted in severe violations of human rights, such as political repression, camps for forced labor, and mass murder. Additionally, economic stagnation and poverty were frequent outcomes of communist administrations’ economic policies.

Communist governments in Eastern Europe came to an end with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, but the legacy of communism still affects politics in some nations, like China and Cuba, where communist parties are still in power.

The political ideology of fascism, on the other hand, places a great emphasis on nationalism and racial supremacy and calls for a powerful, single-person, centralized government. The most well-known fascist regimes were those in Italy under Benito Mussolini and Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler. The atrocities performed during World War II, such as the Holocaust, in which millions of Jews and other minorities were slaughtered by the Nazi regime, have had a lasting impact on world history. Additionally, millions of people died in the war as a result of the aggressive expansionist ambitions of fascist administrations.

Fascist groups and ideals were widely discredited after World War II, although certain far-right political parties and movements still support them. The growth of far-right and nationalist movements, which have been connected to xenophobia, racism, and anti-Semitism, in a number of nations is an example of how fascism continues to influence contemporary politics.

Difference Between Communism vs. Fascism

Fascism encourages authoritarianism, national unity, and frequently racist and xenophobic viewpoints, whereas communism advocates equality, shared ownership, and the abolition of social classes. Both concepts have been put into practice in numerous nations around the world with differing degrees of success. It’s crucial to remember that both ideologies have been linked to violations of human rights, the repression of political dissent, and unsuccessful economic policies. In order to comprehend historical and present events and politics, it is crucial to study and comprehend these ideologies.

FAQs on Communism vs. Fascism:

Q1. what is the main goal of communism.

Ans. The main goal of communism is to create a classless, stateless society in which everyone in the community owns and controls the means of production. This aims to develop a controlled economy while also eradicating social classes and the exploitation of one class by another.

Q2. What is the main goal of fascism?

Ans. The main goal of fascism is to establish a centralized, totalitarian state with strong governmental control over the economy and the repression of political opposition led by a single leader or party. Additionally, militarism, nationalism, and the repression of political dissent are emphasized.

Q3. What is the difference between the economic systems of communism and fascism?

Ans. Fascism aims to establish a capitalist economy with strong state control, whereas communism seeks to establish a planned economy in which the means of production are owned and managed by the community as a whole.

Q4. What is the role of the state in communism and fascism?

Ans. In communism, a classless, stateless society will be created, which will cause the state to disappear. In fascism, the state is crucial in putting down political opposition and governing the economy.

Q5. What is the difference between the treatment of individuals and minorities in communism and fascism?

Ans. The aim of communism is to eliminate social classes and establish a society in which everyone has equal access to the resources needed for the production and distribution of products and services. Individuals and minorities may have their rights restricted under fascism since they are frequently seen as secondary to the needs of the state.

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