“Fascisterne” is a Danish term that means “the fascists” in English. For many people this term brings forth images of brutal nationalism, authoritarian oppression, or even the complete dismantling of freedom. Although fascism began in Italy in the early 20th century, it caused grievous damage throughout Europe, including in Denmark. Fascisterne’s legacy is a human catastrophe alongside a political one, and is a tragedy that transforms entire societies.
We look here at the rise and consequences of Fascisterne in Denmark, not merely as a political entity, but as a cultural and social phenomenon. We will investigate the roots, how it was experienced in Denmark and Europe, and the important reminders it left us with.
📜 What Is Fascism? 🤔
Looking at the importance of Fascisterne, we need to understand and define what fascism is first.
Fascism is a far right, authoritarian, and total control ideology that is centered on:
- Overrule by a sovereign entity
- National supremacy
- Dictatorial control
- Oppression of ruthless
Fascism was first coined by Benito Mussolini, the Italian dictator that ruled from 1922 to 1943. Italy was the first nation fascism was exercised on and it quickly spread throughout continental Europe in the 1930’s and 40’s with the reiteration of Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany being the most recognized.
🇩🇰 Fascisterne in Denmark
Denmark is known for resisting the Nazis in World War II. But the country was not free from fascist influence. In Danish political and historical discourse, “Fascisterne” refers to:
- Danish fascist movements based in the country during the 30s and 40s
- Danish supporters of Nazi Germany during the occupation
- Radical patriots trying to enforce fascist norms
The DNSAP (Danmarks Nationalsocialistiske Arbejderparti) or Danish National Socialist Workers Party is one of the most famous. Like its German counterpart, the DNSAP sought:
- Ethnic “purity”
- Anti-Semitism
- Anti-Eucommunism
- Allegiance to the German Reich
Fascisterne in Denmark, although never very popular or successful, posed a real threat because of their collaboration with the Nazis and their willingness to betray fellow Danes.
⚔️ World War II: Role of Fascisterne
Following the invasion of Denmark by Nazi Germany on the 9th of April 1940, the Danish government made the decision to surrender in order to prevent further destruction. Over the subsequent five years, fascist collaborators actively collaborated with the occupying forces. These individuals and groups, referred to as Fascisterne, took on a dark role by:
- Reporting Jews and freedom fighters to the Gestapo
- Propaganda enforcement
- Volunteering for the Waffen-SS, the Nazi military force
- Spreading fear and suspicions in Danish communities
A disturbing instance is the formation of the Schalburg Corps in Denmark in 1943. Many of its radicalized members committed terror acts against fellow countrymen due to the radical Fascist ideologies.
🕯️ Danish Resistance and Anti-Fascism
The courage demonstrated by the Danish resistance actively opposing Fascisterne is remarkable. Through underground newspapers, sabotage, and aiding Danish Jews in fleeing to Sweden in 1943, many devised ways to oppose fascism directly.
This resistance, alongside the bravery of the Denmark cultural resistance, serves as a reminder to the country and a counterpart against the betrayal.
🧠 The Social and Psychological Effects
Fascism in practice relies on fear, propaganda, and division as tools. The Fascisterne effectively utilized these to deepen the divisions of Danish society.
Key effects included:
- Social survival anxiety: People were deeply concerned about each other, not knowing who could be working with the Nazis.
- Suppression of dissent: People who were against fascism faced imprisonment, torture, or death.
- Post-war psychosocial trauma: Society had to grapple with the realization that some of their own were collaborators.
Even after the Second World War, the term Fascisterne had and still holds, heavy connotation. A representation of treachery, violence, and trust that has been or could easily be, broken.
📚 Modern Lessons from Fascisterne
There is value in the study of Fascisterne and not simply as a lesson in history. It bears crucial warnings in the contemporary context:
- Democracy can be chipped away and is fragile if not actively defended.
- Even the most educated of societies is not immune to propaganda.
- The onset of tyranny can be in the form of silence in the face of injustice.
Given the increase of authoritarian and nationalistic rhetoric in some parts of the world, the study of the story of Fascisterne is of utmost importance as it underscores the consequences of neglecting our shared humanity.
💬 Q&A: Understanding Fascisterne and Their Legacy
Q1: Were Fascisterne a large political force in Denmark?
A: In terms of national electoral clout, no. Denmark’s primary fascist party, the DNSAP, never attained a majority. Their sway increased during the Nazi occupation, granting them disproportionate influence due to limited public support.
Q2: Did all Danish fascists actively work with the Nazis?
A: Most Danish fascists did, particularly the Schalburg Corps and members of DNSAP. Conversely, some sympathizers chose a passive approach by endorsing fascism without tangible action. The term Fascisterne is mostly used to reference working collaborators.
Q3: What became of Fascisterne after WWII?
A: Most fascist collaborators, along with the rest of the population, were liberated and tried in the courts. Many were imprisoned, some was executed. The movement and radical ideology of fascism was completely detached from the society and widely condemned.
Q4: Are there still fascist movements existing in Denmark in modern day?
A: Like several other regions, the rise of far-right nationalist movements and extremist movements is observed. However, for the time being, they seem to be fringe movements and the term Fascisterne, which holds a very dark connotation is being avoided.
Q5: What defends the importance of studying Fascisterne nowadays?
A: All over the world, with the growing political divide, and rise of false narratives, studying Fascisterne enables people to dismantle early signs of authoritarianism. Educating people about fascism arms citizens with the ability to protect democracy, truth and the virtue of tolerance.
🧭 Conclusion
Fascisterne marks the rise of one of the darkest lapses in history—not only for the heinous acts they strived to achieve, but the rapid rise of fascist ideology and mentalities in the world, especially among societies and cultures which pictured themselves as free.
Denmark’s fight against Fascisterne teaches us to always be on guard. Democracy is not something to be taken for granted; it requires ongoing care in every generation. Commemorating the deeds of Fascisterne is not an exercise in yearning for yesteryear. It is to ensure that the words “never again” becomes a promise.
