Introduction
The word **fascisterne**, which simply means *“the fascists”* in Danish, carries with it the heavy weight of 20th-century history. Though it may appear as just a descriptive noun, the term points toward one of the darkest chapters of modern politics: the rise of fascism and the men and women who embraced it. When we speak of *fascisterne*, we are speaking not only about particular historical actors but also about an enduring ideology—one that continues to resurface in different forms.
This article explores the history of fascisterne, their defining traits, their role in Europe during World War II, the consequences of their actions, and the warnings their legacy provides for today’s societies.
The Origins of Fascism
To understand **fascisterne**, we must first revisit the origins of **fascism**. The term comes from the Italian *fascio*, meaning “bundle” or “group,” and was adopted by **Benito Mussolini** when he founded the **Fasci di Combattimento** in 1919. Italy after World War I was marked by social unrest, economic hardship, and disillusionment. Mussolini promised national renewal, order, and strength—a vision that appealed to many.
Fascism emphasized:
Ultra-nationalism** and loyalty to the state above all else.
Authoritarian leadership**, usually centered on one figure.
Suppression of dissent** and elimination of political pluralism.
Militarism**, glorifying violence and discipline.
Propaganda and myth-making**, often portraying the nation as in decline and in need of rebirth.
Soon after, similar movements spread across Europe. In **Germany**, the Nazi Party—though distinct in its racial obsessions—drew heavily from fascist principles. In **Spain**, Francisco Franco built a regime with fascist characteristics, while countries like Hungary, Romania, and Croatia saw their own fascist factions. Collectively, their members and supporters became what we now call **fascisterne**.
Fascisterne in Practice
When fascist movements gained power, their promises of order and renewal quickly gave way to authoritarianism and violence. The fascisterne in power implemented policies that:
1. Crushed opposition**: Independent trade unions, rival political parties, and free media were eliminated.
2. Created cults of personality**: Leaders like Mussolini and Hitler were portrayed as infallible saviors.
3. Targeted minorities**: Fascisterne often relied on scapegoating—Jews, communists, Roma people, immigrants, or political dissidents—to unite the majority against an imagined enemy.
4. Waged aggressive wars**: Expansionism was central to their ideology. Italy invaded Ethiopia, Germany pursued conquest across Europe, and Spain engaged in brutal repression.
The consequences were catastrophic. Under fascisterne regimes, millions died in wars, concentration camps, and purges. Communities across Europe were scarred, and democratic institutions were destroyed.
Fascisterne in Denmark and Occupied Europe
In Denmark and other occupied countries during World War II, **fascisterne** took on an additional meaning: local collaborators and sympathizers with Nazi Germany. Some Danes joined fascist groups, aided occupiers, or fought alongside German forces on the Eastern Front.
However, Denmark also became known for its resistance. The word *fascisterne* thus became a moral dividing line: on one side, those who aligned themselves with authoritarian occupiers; on the other, those who resisted and defended democratic values. After the war, many collaborators faced legal trials or social ostracism, while the memory of resistance became a cornerstone of national identity.
This dynamic was mirrored across Europe: in France with the **Vichy regime**, in Norway with **Quisling’s party**, and in many other occupied territories. The label “fascist” after 1945 became synonymous not only with dictatorship but also with betrayal of one’s country and democratic principles.
The Post-War Legacy of Fascisterne
After 1945, **fascisterne** as political actors were largely defeated. Their regimes fell, their leaders were executed or imprisoned, and their ideology was discredited in mainstream politics. Yet, the memory of fascisterne did not disappear.
1. In education and culture**, the atrocities of fascist regimes became lessons about the dangers of authoritarianism.
2. In political discourse**, the term “fascist” became a powerful insult, sometimes overused but still carrying the weight of historical trauma.
3. In extremist subcultures**, neo-fascist and far-right groups tried to revive elements of fascism, often rebranded to appear more modern or palatable.
The challenge of remembering fascisterne lies in striking a balance: not trivializing the term through careless use, but also not ignoring the fact that elements of fascism can reappear when societies face fear, instability, or disillusionment.
Characteristics of Fascisterne Across Time
Though the original fascist regimes of the 20th century were defeated, scholars and observers identify recurring traits of fascisterne** that can re-emerge:
Disdain for democracy**: Efforts to weaken checks and balances, dismiss courts, or delegitimize elections.
Cult of the strong leader**: Concentrating power in one figure portrayed as the nation’s savior.
Nationalist myth-making**: Telling stories of national decline and promising rebirth.
Exclusionary identity**: Defining who “belongs” and who must be excluded or suppressed.
Attack on media**: Labeling independent journalism as enemies, spreading propaganda.
Normalization of violence**: Encouraging political intimidation, militarization, or suppression of dissent.
These traits provide a diagnostic lens. When we see them surface, whether in established democracies or fragile states, it is a reminder of how fascisterne movements of the past first took root.
Fascisterne in the 21st Century
In today’s world, we do not often see movements explicitly calling themselves “fascist.” The word is too stigmatized. Yet many observers note fascist echoes in contemporary politics:
Far-right groups in Europe and the Americas that blend nationalism with xenophobia.
Populist leaders who undermine democratic institutions while glorifying themselves.
Online networks spreading propaganda, conspiracy theories, and hate speech.
These modern fascisterne do not wear uniforms or march in the same way as in the 1930s, but their methods—fear, division, authoritarianism—remain familiar.
The lesson from history is that fascisterne often rise during times of crisis: economic hardship, political polarization, or cultural anxiety. When people fear instability, they may embrace authoritarian solutions. Recognizing this pattern is key to preventing history from repeating.
Responding to the Legacy of Fascisterne
What can societies do to ensure fascisterne remain a warning from history rather than a political future?
1 Educate widely: Teaching about fascism’s history, crimes, and methods helps inoculate new generations against propaganda.
2. Strengthen democracy: Independent courts, free press, and strong civil institutions are the best defenses.
3. Promote inclusion: Reducing inequality and fostering social cohesion weakens the appeal of scapegoating.
4. Encourage civic engagement: When citizens feel they have a voice, they are less likely to turn to authoritarian leaders.
5. Be vigilant: Recognizing early warning signs—attacks on media, minority scapegoating, erosion of checks and balances—can stop authoritarianism before it takes hold.
Conclusion
The word fascisterne is deceptively simple, but it encapsulates a complex and tragic history. It refers not only to the fascists of Mussolini’s Italy, Hitler’s Germany, or Franco’s Spain, but also to collaborators, sympathizers, and extremist movements that threatened and, at times, destroyed democracy across Europe.
To study fascisterne is not merely to look back. It is also to remain alert to the present. Fascism thrives on fear, division, and passivity. Democracy, by contrast, thrives on vigilance, participation, and inclusion.
Remembering fascisterne—their rise, their crimes, and their defeat—provides both a warning and a guide. The past shows what happens when authoritarianism is allowed to grow unchecked. The future depends on ensuring that the mistakes of history are not repeated.
