Communism, Fascism, Both, or Neither!
WORLD HISTORY PROJECT 1750 / LESSON 7.4 ACTIVITYCOMMUNISM, FASCISM, BOTH, OR NEITHER!1Unless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under CC BY 4.0. Credit: “Communism, Fascism, Both, or Neither,” OER Project, https://www.oerproject.com/PurposeCommunism and fascism are two controversial ideologies that share some aspects in common, but they are very different. This activity will help you understand the nuances of each ideology to help dispel the misconception that they are interchangeable.Process1.Review this table to remind yourself of the differences between communism and fascism.CommunismBoth in theory and as practiced, referring mainly to the Soviet Union, China, Cuba, and other countries.FascismThe theory of fascism and how it was practiced are very much the same. It was mainly instituted in Mussolini’s Italy and Nazi Germany.In theory, communism is a socioeconomic system but in practice, it is both a political and economic system.Fascism is mainly a political ideology or political system, but fascist governments control all aspects of society.In theory, there are no social classes; everyone is equal in terms of both socioeconomic and gender status.Everyone is not equal. Some members of society are better than others and those deemed not worthy of being included in the fascist regime could be eliminated.In theory, the community (everyone) “owns” major resources, but in practice the state owns all resources and means of production.The state “owns” most resources but also works with industrial capitalists to further the fascist agenda.In theory, there is no private property, but in practice this has never been fully implemented.Traditional gender roles of men in the public sphere and women in the private sphere were emphasized.In theory, communists are willing to work together on an international scale but in practice, the state often restricts access to the outside world in order to maintain control.Fascists think only about their nation or state. They are not concerned with working together as part of an international community.
WORLD HISTORY PROJECT 1750 / LESSON 7.4 ACTIVITY COMMUNISM, FASCISM, BOTH, OR NEITHER!2Both in theory and in practice, religion was abolished as a distraction.Fascism is considered a religion itself—citizens worship the state through nationalism, and the state only supports religions that are historically or nationally tied to the state.Theoretically, there is no leader, and the people govern directly, but in practice, these countries had one leader and a one-party system.The state is the top of the hierarchy; one leader controls everything.2.Read the list of statements below and decide if they describe communism, fascism, neither, or both. Mark each statement with a “C” for communism; an “F” for fascism; a “B” for both; and an “N” for neither. For some of these, your answer may be based on whether you’re thinking about communism in theory or in practice. If that’s the case, make note of it: “C (t)” or “C (p).”StatementIdeologyFree elections are held and there is more than one political party. The country has an all-powerful leader who has great influence over his people.Often these leaders are elected first, or are given power, and then they proceed to take away people’s rights.Capitalism is good for society.Extreme nationalism is used to make people proud of their country and people.Inequality is seen as a good thing; it’s natural for the strong to dominate the weak.Women can work and be educated.Democracy is seen as a waste of time: it’s weak.Propaganda (movies, education, radio, meetings, posters, demonstrations, and songs) is used to influence the people.Darwin’s ideas can be applied to human societies and nations: survival of the fittest.
WORLD HISTORY PROJECT 1750 / LESSON 7.4 ACTIVITY COMMUNISM, FASCISM, BOTH, OR NEITHER!3StatementIdeologyRacial or ethnic discrimination and persecution is often used.The primary role of a woman is to have children and care for her family.People are primarily viewed as workers who labor together for the common good.Freedom of the press/media is allowed. This set of ideas takes advantage of people’s fears; it promises people order and usually identifies a group to blame for problems.Religion is tolerated as long as it helps support the state.Everyone has the right to question the government. There is heavy investment in industry, road building, and infrastructure to provide jobs for people.3.Respond to the following questions:●Which statement was the hardest to label? Why?●What are the key differences between communism and fascism? Explain your thinking in three sentences. ●What are the similarities between communism and fascism? Explain your thinking in three sentences.