The word “Fascisterne” is the Danish plural term for “the fascists”, referring to individuals and movements that adhere to fascism — a far‑right, authoritarian political ideology emphasizing ultranationalism, centralized power, and suppression of opposition.
While the term originally described the Italian political movement led by Benito Mussolini in the early 20th century, it also came to represent similar movements across Europe, including in Denmark during the turbulent years surrounding World War II.
Understanding the origins, rise, and fall of Fascisterne is not merely an exercise in historical study — it is a critical lesson in how democratic societies can be undermined and how extremist ideologies can reshape nations.
Origins of Fascism and the Emergence of Fascisterne
Fascism emerged in post‑World War I Italy, a time of political instability, economic hardship, and social unrest. Many Italians felt betrayed by the outcomes of the war, and democratic governments seemed ineffective in addressing national crises.
Benito Mussolini, a former socialist who turned nationalist, capitalized on this dissatisfaction. In 1919, he founded the Fasci Italiani di Combattimento — paramilitary squads that would later evolve into the Partito Nazionale Fascista (National Fascist Party).
By 1922, Mussolini had seized power through the infamous March on Rome, establishing a dictatorship based on:
- Strong, centralized leadership
- Suppression of political opposition
- Promotion of nationalist and militarist values
This model inspired similar far‑right movements across Europe — including the Fascisterne in Denmark.
Fascisterne in Denmark: Early Influence
The Danish fascist movement took shape in the 1930s, influenced by both Mussolini’s Italy and Hitler’s Germany. Denmark’s most prominent fascist-inspired organization was the Danmarks Nationalsocialistiske Arbejderparti (DNSAP), led by Frits Clausen.
Key Characteristics of Danish Fascisterne
- Imitation of Nazi and Fascist Ideals: Ultranationalism, authoritarian rule, and anti-communism
- Use of Uniforms and Symbols: Similar to Nazi Germany’s swastika, the DNSAP adopted distinctive insignia
- Paramilitary Structure: Their military-style wing, Landstormen, carried out propaganda activities and attempted to intimidate political opponents
Although they never gained substantial political power in pre‑war Denmark, the Fascisterne gained visibility through public rallies, propaganda, and collaboration with pro‑German groups.
World War II and Danish Collaboration
The German occupation of Denmark in April 1940 gave the Fascisterne new opportunities to gain influence. The DNSAP actively supported the Nazi regime and recruited Danish volunteers for Frikorps Danmark — a Danish unit fighting on the Eastern Front alongside the German Wehrmacht.
Collaboration Activities
- Propaganda Campaigns supporting German occupation
- Recruitment for Nazi military efforts
- Participation in Surveillance against resistance fighters
However, despite these efforts, Danish fascist parties never achieved mass support. The majority of Danes remained skeptical or outright hostile to fascism, with many joining resistance movements to fight against the occupation.
Ideology of Fascisterne
Like their European counterparts, the Fascisterne embraced a set of core beliefs:
- Ultranationalism
- Absolute loyalty to the nation, often linked to ethnic or cultural purity.
- Authoritarian Leadership
- Belief in a single, strong leader with unchecked political authority.
- Militarism and Glorification of Violence
- Viewing war and conflict as tools for national renewal.
- Anti-Communism and Anti-Liberalism
- Hostility towards socialism, communism, and democratic liberalism.
- Propaganda and Censorship
- Strict control of the press and public discourse to suppress dissent.
These principles were implemented not only in speeches and rallies but also through political violence, intimidation, and collaboration with occupying forces.
Propaganda and Recruitment
The Fascisterne understood the power of mass communication. Their propaganda machinery included:
- Posters and Pamphlets glorifying the fascist vision
- Public Rallies designed to display strength and unity
- Newspapers and Radio Broadcasts echoing Nazi propaganda
Recruitment targeted young men, appealing to a sense of belonging, discipline, and national pride. The militaristic style — uniforms, salutes, and marches — created a sense of order that contrasted with the political chaos of the time.
Resistance to Fascisterne
While some Danes sympathized with fascism, the majority opposed it. Resistance took several forms:
- Underground Newspapers publishing anti-fascist material
- Sabotage of German military operations
- Aid to Jews and Persecuted Groups to escape Nazi persecution
This resistance was a key factor in limiting the spread of fascism in Denmark.
The Fall of Fascisterne
The defeat of Nazi Germany in May 1945 signaled the end of the Fascisterne as a political force in Denmark. Their collaboration with the occupying powers discredited them in the eyes of the public.
Post-War Consequences
- Prosecution of Collaborators: Many fascist leaders and members were tried and imprisoned.
- Political Marginalization: Fascism became associated with betrayal and treason.
- Social Stigma: Former fascists faced public shaming and exclusion from mainstream society.
The movement never recovered from the post-war backlash, and the term “Fascisterne” became synonymous with collaboration and authoritarian extremism.
Fascisterne in the Modern Era
Today, Fascisterne as an organized political movement no longer exists in Denmark. However, the ideological elements of fascism occasionally resurface in:
- Neo-fascist groups
- Far-right nationalist parties
- Online extremist communities
These modern groups often avoid the fascist label, instead framing their ideology around anti-immigration, cultural nationalism, or populist rhetoric.
Lessons from the History of Fascisterne
The story of the Fascisterne offers important lessons:
- Authoritarianism Often Grows in Crisis
- Economic hardship and political instability can pave the way for extremist ideologies.
- Propaganda Shapes Public Perception
- Control over media and narrative is a powerful tool for any political movement.
- Resistance Can Work
- Grassroots opposition and civic unity can limit the spread of authoritarianism.
- History Can Repeat Itself
- Understanding the past is essential for recognizing early warning signs of democratic erosion.
Conclusion
The history of Fascisterne in Denmark is a reminder that extremist ideologies can emerge anywhere, even in stable democracies. While the Fascisterne never gained full political control in Denmark, their collaboration with Nazi Germany during World War II left a deep mark on the nation’s history.
Today, studying the Fascisterne helps us understand how authoritarian movements operate, the role of propaganda in shaping political culture, and the importance of vigilance in defending democratic values.
By remembering their rise and fall, we strengthen our commitment to freedom, justice, and democracy — ensuring that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.
Written for: Movies Mod