introduction
Fascism, as a political ideology, rose in Europe during the early 20th century, with its most prominent manifestations in Italy under Benito Mussolini and in Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler. The movement was marked by ultra-nationalism, authoritarianism, dictatorial power, and a rejection of liberal democracy, socialism, and communism. While many European countries were either directly or indirectly impacted by fascism, Denmark—though never fully adopting fascism—saw the rise of a smaller but significant fascist movement in the interwar period. The group most closely associated with fascism in Denmark was the National Socialist Workers’ Party of Denmark (DNSAP), more commonly known as “Fascisterne.”
Origins of Fascism in Denmark
Fascism found a foothold in Denmark in the early 1930s, a time when Europe was gripped by political instability and economic crises. The aftermath of World War I, coupled with the Great Depression of 1929, contributed to widespread discontent with existing political structures. In Denmark, as in many other nations, radical ideologies emerged as a response to the failures of liberal democracy and the promise of a better future. Several nationalist and far-right groups began to gain traction, calling for a return to national glory, unity, and order.
In Denmark, one of the earliest manifestations of fascist ideology was the formation of the National Socialist Workers’ Party of Denmark (DNSAP) in 1930. It was founded by Fritz Clausen, a former member of the Danish Social Democrats, who had become disillusioned with traditional politics and was influenced by the rise of fascist and Nazi movements in Europe. Clausen modeled the DNSAP after the German Nazi Party (NSDAP), drawing heavily from the ideas of Adolf Hitler and the German nationalist rhetoric that was becoming increasingly popular during the 1930s.
Key Ideological Tenets of Danish Fascism
The DNSAP’s ideology was rooted in several core beliefs that were characteristic of fascist movements of the time, although adapted to the Danish context. These included:
- Ultra-nationalism and National Superiority:
The movement emphasized the importance of Denmark’s national identity and its perceived superiority over other nations. It was deeply anti-communist and anti-socialist, viewing these ideologies as threats to the unity of the Danish nation. - Authoritarian Leadership:
Similar to other fascist movements, the DNSAP advocated for strong, centralized leadership under a single authoritative figure. They believed that only a dictatorial leader could restore order and greatness to the nation. This concept was heavily influenced by Mussolini’s rise to power in Italy and Hitler’s authoritarian regime in Germany. - Anti-Semitism:
Anti-Semitism was a major element of fascist ideology, and the DNSAP was no exception. The party adopted racist rhetoric and promoted the idea of ethnic purity, aiming to create a homogeneous Danish society free from Jewish influence. The party’s antisemitism mirrored that of the German Nazi regime, though it was not as extreme in its execution. - Militarism and Violence:
Fascism in Denmark, as in other countries, was deeply tied to militarism. The DNSAP called for a reorganization of Denmark’s military forces and the implementation of militaristic values within society. It also glorified violence as a tool for achieving political aims. - Rejection of Democracy:
Like other fascists, the DNSAP rejected liberal democratic institutions, which they saw as weak and corrupt. They believed that a strong, authoritarian state would better serve the interests of the Danish people, viewing democracy as an impediment to national strength and unity.
The Rise of DNSAP and Its Popularity
While fascism in Denmark was never as popular as it was in countries like Italy and Germany, the DNSAP managed to attract a small but dedicated following. The party’s early success was bolstered by several factors:
- Economic Crisis:
The Great Depression created significant economic hardship for many Danes. Unemployment soared, and many people were dissatisfied with the traditional political parties’ handling of the crisis. The DNSAP capitalized on this discontent by offering radical solutions, promising to restore Denmark’s greatness through authoritarian rule and national unity. - Weakness of the Danish Left:
The Danish left-wing parties were deeply divided during this period, and there was significant infighting within the Socialist and Communist movements. This left a vacuum that the DNSAP sought to fill. The party presented itself as a solution to both the economic and political crises, albeit through authoritarian means. - The Influence of Nazi Germany:
The rise of Adolf Hitler in Germany and the subsequent Nazi regime provided a powerful example for Danish fascists. Many members of the DNSAP were inspired by Nazi Germany’s aggressive expansionism, authoritarian leadership, and rejection of the Treaty of Versailles. They looked to Germany as a model of what Denmark could achieve under a similar system of rule.
Political Activities and Public Reception
Throughout the 1930s, the DNSAP remained a marginal force in Danish politics, never gaining the widespread support that fascist parties garnered in Germany or Italy. The party participated in several elections but failed to win a significant number of seats in the Danish parliament (Folketinget). However, it did manage to generate a considerable amount of public attention, largely through its propaganda efforts and violent actions.
The DNSAP held rallies and marches, often employing militaristic symbolism and imagery, and engaged in public demonstrations of support for fascism. These events were aimed at garnering attention and showcasing the power of the fascist movement. The party’s public demonstrations, along with their newspaper, “Folk og Land”, helped spread their ideological message across Denmark.
Despite these efforts, the DNSAP faced significant opposition from other political groups, particularly from the left-wing parties and the Social Democrats, who saw fascism as a direct threat to democracy and the welfare state. Denmark’s political culture was largely shaped by its strong democratic traditions, and the majority of Danes rejected the DNSAP’s extreme ideas.
World War II and the Decline of the Fascist Movement
The rise of Nazi Germany had a profound impact on Denmark, particularly after the German invasion of Denmark in 1940. Although Denmark was initially able to maintain a degree of independence under German occupation, the situation changed drastically in the later years of the war.
The DNSAP initially supported the German occupation, seeing it as an opportunity to implement their fascist ideals in Denmark. However, as the war progressed and Germany’s defeat seemed inevitable, the party began to lose popularity. Many Danes grew increasingly resentful of the Nazi regime and its policies, and public support for the DNSAP dwindled.
In 1943, the Danish resistance movement succeeded in helping thousands of Jews escape to neutral Sweden, effectively thwarting Nazi plans for mass deportations. This event marked a significant turning point, and the DNSAP’s association with Nazi ideology further damaged its reputation among the Danish people.
With the end of World War II in 1945, the fascist movement in Denmark effectively collapsed. The DNSAP disbanded, and many of its leaders were arrested or went into hiding. In the post-war period, Denmark sought to rebuild its democratic institutions and distance itself from the horrors of Nazi occupation and fascist ideology.
Legacy of Fascism in Denmark
While the DNSAP was a relatively minor force in Danish politics, its brief existence left an imprint on Denmark’s post-war political culture. Fascism, in its Danish form, was largely discredited in the aftermath of World War II, and the country’s political landscape moved decisively toward democracy, social welfare, and European cooperation.
However, remnants of fascist ideology have continued to surface sporadically in Denmark, particularly in far-right political movements. In the 1990s and 2000s, there were occasional attempts by neo-fascist groups to revive the ideas of the DNSAP, though these movements have generally remained on the fringes of Danish political life.
Conclusion
The story of Fascisterne, or the Danish fascists, is a reminder of the dangers posed by extremist ideologies during periods of economic and political upheaval. While fascism never achieved the same level of power in Denmark as it did in other parts of Europe, its brief existence serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for far-right movements to exploit fear and discontent. Today, Denmark remains a strong democracy, but the legacy of fascism reminds us of the importance of vigilance in defending democratic values against the forces of extremism.