Compare And Contrast Communism And Fascism

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Recommended: Communism versus fascism

Govind Thomas-Richardson
M. White
Pre/AP World History
16 November 2015
Communism vs. Fascism
Communism and Fascism are often mistakenly used interchangeably. However, this is not the case. Although they are similar in authoritarian aspects, they are polar opposites on the economic scale (communism being on the left and fascism on the right). Communism is a system of social organization based on the unified ownership of all property in common with regard to the community or the state. Fascism, however, forcibly suppresses opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism making it centered more heavily on the state rather than the individual. Karl Marx was a large proponent of communism, and Benito Mussolini was a strong proponent of fascism. Despite the common misconception that communism and fascism are believed to be two birds of the same feather, they have distinct differences.
Often Designated as the father of Communism, Karl Marx wrote the Communist Manifesto in 1848. He believed that history portrays the working class as constantly being abused by the wealthier classes and that this was wrong. In his eyes the working class should be in charge and everyone should be nominally equal. It is believed that Lenin had the first
However, it involves national supremacy; the belief that the state is more important than the individual which is most unlike communism. This calls for a centralized autocratic government (single party with complete responsibility and authority over the nation) headed by a dictatorial leader such as Mussolini, severe economic and social regimentation, and forceful suppression of rebellious individuals or actions. It promotes civil unity and cults of such natures and pursues a national rebirth by restraining individual interests of the citizens and is frequently “concerned with cultural

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