Anarchism and revolution - Essay Example

Role of anarchism and revolution plan in the shaping of mid-19th century European politics YourFirstName YourLastName University titleROLE OF ANARCHISM AND REVOLUTION PLAN IN THE SHAPING OF MID-19TH CENTURY EUROPEAN POLITICSIn the mid 19th century, politic s in Europe took a different trajectory with the advent of anarchism and revolutions. Anarchism was a philosophical idea of stateless societies that chided themselves in self governance.

It embraced the idea that the state was a harmful, undesirable and an unnecessary institution. Furthermore, its tenets included opposition to authority or any hierarchical organization involved in human relations. However, such opposition was not limited to the state, but other institutions as well. In retrospect, anarchism was a radical left-wing ideology that reflected communism, mutualism, participatory governance and collectivism. On the other hand, fascism was a political philosophy whose basic principles were the opposite of anarchism.

In the 1920s and 1930s, fascism took center stage in European politics. It was a form of authoritarian rule devoid of democratic foundations (Woodcock, 2004). This was bound to create conflict with the proponents of anarchism. Examples of fascist leaders were Benito Mussolini of Italy and Adolf Hitler of Germany. They advocated for a mixed economy, militarism, ultra-nationalism and a devotion to a strong leader. Luigi Fabrri, a veteran Italian anarchist, was one of the fiercest critics of fascism.

Although many of the anarchist proponents were arrested and perhaps killed, most of anarchists in France and Italy took an active role of resistance in World War II. After the war, few parties openly considered themselves as fascists. In fact, anarchism sought to restructure itself and several debates took place, especially in the anarchists’ movements of France and Italy. Several anarchist federations and associations were formed in other countries across Europe. Besides, intellectual and literary personalities of that time were influenced, openly embraced anarchism and collaborated in formation of the federations (Goldstein, 2013).

In essence, anarchism and revolution plan shaped up politics in Europe in mid 19th century.ReferencesGoldstein, R. ( 2013). Political Repression in 19th Century Europe (Routledge Library Editions: Political Science Volume 24). Stockholm: Routledge.Woodcock, G. ( 2004). Anarchism: A History of Libertarian Ideas and Movements. London: Broadview.