Erik Swenson: Definitions of fascism from the 1943 US War Department

To The Daily Sun,

On March 24, 1943, the U.S. War Department distributed a pamphlet to Army personnel describing fascism so soldiers would know what they were fighting against. Here are some excerpts:

“Fascism is not the easiest thing to identify and analyze, nor, once in power, is it easy to destroy.”

“Fascism is the precise opposite of democracy. The people run democratic governments, but fascist governments run the people.”

“Fascism is government by the few and for the few.”

Fascists “look for a scapegoat as a way out.”

“The democratic way of life interferes with their methods and desires for: (1) conducting business; (2) living with their fellow men; (3) having the final say in matters concerning others...”

“In place of international cooperation, the fascists seek to substitute a perverted sort of ultra-nationalism...”

It is “vitally important” to learn to spot native fascists, “even though they adopt names and slogans with popular appeal, drape themselves with the American flag...”

“Fascism treats women as mere breeders. ‘Children, kitchen, and the church,’ was the Nazi slogan for women.”

Freedom requires “being alert and on guard against the infringement not only of our own freedom but the freedom of every American. If we permit discrimination, prejudice, or hate to rob anyone of his democratic rights, our own freedom and all democracy is threatened.”

Fascists “played political, religious, social, and economic groups against each other and seized power while these groups struggled.”

Fascists “maintain themselves in power ... by skillful manipulation of fear and hate, and by false promise of security.”

“By getting men to hate rather than to think,” fascism prevents them “from seeking the real cause and a democratic solution to the problem.”

“Fascism thrives on indifference and ignorance.”

Find the original document here: archive.org/details/ArmyTalkOrientationFactSheet64-Fascism.

Erik Swenson

Moultonborough