THIS MEETING WILL BE ON ZOOM ONLY

The term "Fascism" was first used in 1915 by members of Benito Mussolini's movement, “The Fasces of Revolutionary Action.” Mussolini declared that it was necessary for Europe to resolve its national problems—including national borders—of Italy and elsewhere “for the ideals of justice and liberty.” It molded itself to appeal to Italian conservatives, accepting the Catholic Church and the monarchy as institutions in Italy. Fascism adopted policies such as promoting family values, including policies designed to reduce the number of women in the workforce—limiting the woman's role to that of a mother. They banned literature on birth control and increased penalties for abortion in 1926, declaring both crimes against the state. It aimed to appeal to people upset with the new trends in sexuality and women's rights. The Fascists supported revolutionary action and committed to secure law and order, with aspirations of totalitarianism.