Introduction
The term fascisterne is the Danish definite plural of “fascist,” used to describe political groups, individuals, and movements that embraced fascist ideology in Denmark and the wider Scandinavian region. The word became widely associated with the interwar years, the German occupation of Denmark, and the collaborationist movements that supported Nazi Germany. To understand the role of fascisterne, one must explore the rise of fascism in Europe, its influence on Scandinavia, and its enduring legacy after World War II.
The Birth of Fascism in Europe
Fascism as a political doctrine originated in Italy in the aftermath of the First World War. Benito Mussolini established the National Fascist Party in 1921, advocating for a highly centralized state, authoritarian rule, and strong nationalism. The movement drew its symbolism from the ancient Roman fasces—an axe bound with rods representing unity and authority.
Key features of early fascism included:
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Authoritarian rule under a single leader.
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National unity over individual rights.
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Rejection of democracy and socialism.
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Militarism and discipline.
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Anti-communism as a central political stance.
While Mussolini provided the model, Adolf Hitler’s National Socialist German Workers’ Party in Germany reshaped fascism by incorporating racism, anti-Semitism, and expansionist ambitions. Together, these movements became inspirations for far-right groups across Europe.
The Spread of Fascism in Scandinavia
The success of Mussolini in Italy and Hitler in Germany inspired imitators throughout Europe. Small but vocal groups emerged in Britain, the Netherlands, France, and the Nordic countries. They borrowed uniforms, salutes, and propaganda tactics from their Italian and German counterparts.
In Scandinavia, fascist movements argued that democracy produced weak governments incapable of confronting communism or defending national sovereignty. These groups sought to present themselves as strong alternatives to parliamentary politics.
Fascisterne in Denmark
Early Beginnings
The leading fascist party in Denmark was the Danmarks Nationalsocialistiske Arbejderparti (DNSAP), founded in 1930 by Cay Lembcke. Leadership soon passed to Frits Clausen, a physician from North Jutland, who became the face of Danish fascism. Under his command, the DNSAP closely modeled itself on the German Nazi Party, using uniforms, salutes, and orchestrated rallies.
Ideological Foundation
The Danish fascisterne promoted:
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Nationalism and a strong authoritarian state.
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Hostility toward communists and socialists.
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Economic corporatism.
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Alignment with Germany while maintaining Danish identity.
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Anti-Semitism, though less central than in Germany.
Clausen saw close cooperation with Germany as the pathway to securing Denmark’s future.
Electoral Struggles
Despite their public demonstrations and propaganda, fascisterne failed to win broad support. In the 1939 general election, the DNSAP gained only about 1.8% of the vote. They remained visible but politically marginal, relying instead on youth recruitment and paramilitary activities to build influence.
Fascisterne Under German Occupation
Invasion and Hopes of Power
On 9 April 1940, Nazi Germany invaded Denmark. The government surrendered quickly to avoid destruction, and the country fell under German control. Clausen and his supporters expected the DNSAP to be placed in power, much like Vidkun Quisling in Norway. However, Germany chose to maintain Denmark’s monarchy and civilian government under supervision, leaving fascisterne sidelined.
Collaboration and Military Service
Though denied power, fascisterne continued to support Germany. Many Danish fascists joined Frikorps Danmark, a volunteer corps created in 1941 to fight alongside the Waffen-SS on the Eastern Front. While not all volunteers were DNSAP members, the unit symbolized Danish collaboration with the Nazi war effort.
Public Rejection
Most Danes viewed fascisterne as traitors. Resistance groups targeted them, and the general population despised their loyalty to Germany. Instead of gaining popularity, they became symbols of betrayal.
Collapse of Fascisterne After 1945
When Nazi Germany surrendered in May 1945, the Danish fascist movement collapsed. Their association with the occupiers left them discredited.
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Legal Trials: Many collaborators and volunteers faced prosecution. Some were imprisoned, others stripped of civil rights.
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Leadership’s Fate: Frits Clausen was arrested in May 1945 and died in prison two years later, before his trial concluded.
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Social Stigma: Former fascists were ostracized and found reintegration difficult. The word fascisterne became synonymous with treachery.
The DNSAP and all fascist organizations were dissolved, never to reappear in Danish politics.
Fascisterne in Neighboring Scandinavia
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Norway: Vidkun Quisling’s Nasjonal Samling party gained power during the German occupation. Quisling’s collaboration became infamous, and his name is still used as a synonym for “traitor.”
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Sweden: Fascist groups existed but remained weak. The Swedish state monitored them closely, preventing significant influence.
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Finland: Far-right groups adopted fascist traits, especially during the wars with the Soviet Union. However, Finnish politics remained more focused on anti-communism than full-scale fascism.
Defining Characteristics of Fascisterne
From Denmark’s experience and the broader Scandinavian context, several traits stand out:
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Imitation of Italy and Germany in organization and propaganda.
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Limited popular support and poor electoral performance.
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Dependence on German occupation power rather than domestic strength.
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Association with collaboration during World War II.
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Rapid decline after Germany’s defeat.
Legacy of Fascisterne
Although fascisterne vanished politically after 1945, their impact lingers:
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Historical analysis continues to examine why fascism failed to gain mass support in Denmark.
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Public memory associates fascisterne with betrayal and disloyalty.
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Cultural references use the term to describe those who supported Nazi Germany during occupation.
Unlike Italy or Germany, Denmark never experienced fascism as a ruling power. Yet, the story of fascisterne serves as a reminder of how international ideologies can influence small nations and how collaboration can tarnish national history.
FAQs About Fascisterne
Q1: What does the word fascisterne mean?
It is the Danish definite plural form of “fascists,” referring to groups and individuals who embraced fascist ideology, particularly during the 1930s and World War II.
Q2: Who led the Danish fascists?
The movement was led by Frits Clausen, head of the DNSAP, who closely aligned with Nazi Germany.
Q3: Did fascisterne gain political power in Denmark?
No. They achieved limited electoral success and were sidelined by the German occupiers, unlike in Norway where Quisling held power.
Q4: What role did Danish fascists play in the war?
Some joined Frikorps Danmark, a volunteer corps that fought with the Waffen-SS on the Eastern Front against the Soviet Union.
Q5: What happened to fascisterne after 1945?
They were discredited, many were prosecuted, and the movement disappeared. The word remains associated with collaboration and treachery.
Conclusion
The history of fascisterne in Denmark and Scandinavia highlights a fringe political movement that sought to imitate Mussolini and Hitler but never secured widespread support. Their moment came during the German occupation, when they collaborated with the enemy and some fought for the Nazis abroad. After 1945, fascisterne collapsed, leaving behind a legacy of betrayal and a historical warning against authoritarian movements.
