Feudalism and Fascism

Though different, feudalism and fascism share interesting similarities that make a quick comparison worthwhile. This comparison is particularly relevant today, where studying historical socio-political systems can provide valuable insights into the threats people face.

Feudalism was the main social and political structure in medieval Europe. It had a strict hierarchy, with power held by local nobles who controlled land and had vassals working under them (Brown 1974). On the other hand, fascism emerged as a 20th-century political ideology defined by a strong and centralized authority, often in the form of a dictatorial leader draped in some ideological blend of nationalism, militarism, and frequently xenophobic racism. (Pinto 2012)

When comparing feudalism and fascism, it's important to note that both systems have a hierarchical structure but different organizational principles. Feudalism's hierarchy is based on land ownership and hereditary nobility, while fascism's hierarchy is centered around the state and its institutions. Both systems involve a significant level of control – rejecting democratic institutions, individual rights, and political pluralism – but their control methods are quite different. Medieval feudalism relies on the obligations between lords and their vassals, while 20th-century fascism involves state-corporate partnerships. Fascism also allows for private property – setting it far apart from feudalism historically and in terms of economic organization. The two systems have very different ideological foundations.

This recognition is not only important but critical if we are to understand their socio-political systems and their relevance to the world today.

Unfortunately, feudalism and fascism aren’t dead, and it's important to acknowledge that numerous experts in these fields – true professionals – have valid concerns about the threats posed by modern versions of each system. This shouldn’t surprise us. After all, people are people – across eras and the globe.

This is an excellent example of why we must stay informed.

Wikimedia entries on Neo-Feudalism and Neo-Fascism are good starting points for further exploration of this topic.

 

 

 

We ought to consider, what is the end of government, before we determine which is the best form. Upon this point all speculative politicians will agree, that the happiness of society is the end of government, as all Divines and moral Philosophers will agree that the happiness of the individual is the end of man. From this principle it will follow, that the form of government, which communicates ease, comfort, security, or in one word happiness to the greatest number of persons, and in the greatest degree, is the best.   – John Adams

 

 

References

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vassal. (n.d.)

Brown, R., A., Elizabeth. 1974. "The Tyranny of a Construct: Feudalism and Historians of Medieval Europe" Oxford University Press 79 (4): 1063-1063. https://doi.org/10.2307/1869563.

Pinto, Costa, António. 2012. "The Nature of Fascism Revisited"

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, September 15). Neo-feudalism. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-feudalism

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024a, September 7). Neo-fascism. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-fascism