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Fascism and Big Busness

Guerin, Daniel
Publisher:  Pathfinder Press, New York, USA
Year Published:  1973   First Published:  1939
Pages:  317pp  
Resource Type:  Book

A history of the rise of fascism in Europe and the role of big business in supporting fascism.

Abstract:  In Fascism and Big Business, Daniel Guerin examines Italy and Germany during the 30's to look at the characteristics of fascism. He is particularly interested by the support of heavy industries. According to Guerin, a choice between socialism and fascism must be made, because democracy cannot survive much longer in a capitalist society. Democracy has been the most common political structure in advanced states; however, the democracy we see in our society is impure, indirect and still leaves power in the hands of the few. By looking at the motives of Italy and Germany for abandoning democracy, Guerin shows that fascism was seen as necessary for their competitive economies.

This book was written well before the conflict in Europe had played out, but this serves to allow Guerin to examine fascism by itself, before so many other factors became involved. The Second Edition recognizes that when the book was first published fascism was still in development, but the author claims that the fascism of that time was in its original form. It is this form he attempts to define and explain.

The conditions required for a fascist government to be established can be easily identified. A state of instability and discontent are necessary for the people to turn to dictatorship for social change. The biggest support for fascism in Italy and Germany was in the heavy industries such as steel and mining enterprises. The managers of such industries were more authoritarian in nature, according to Guerin. The bankers with investments in these industries were also subsidizing fascism. These facts clearly point the blame at capitalism, and Guerin advocates socialism in its stead. "Fascism could be our punishment tomorrow if we let the hour of socialism pass."

[Abstract by Mia Manns]



Table of Contents

Preface to the 1945 French Edition
Preface to the 1965 French Edition
Foreword

I. Big Business Finances Fascism
II. The Middle Classes Considered as Fascism's Mass Base
III. Fascist Mysticism: The Man of Destiny, The Fatherland
IV. Fascist Demagogy: "Anti-Capitalist" Capitalism
V. Fascist Strategy on the March to Power
VI. The Rise and Fall of the Fascist Plebeians
VII. The Real Fascist "Doctrine"
VIII. Fascism in Power: Taming the Proletariat
IX. Fascism in Power: Economic Policy
X. Fascism in Power: Agricultural Policy

Conclusion: Some Illusions That Must Be Dispelled
References
Index
Illustrations

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