Class Quote by Tommy Douglas
“Fascism begins the moment a ruling class, fearing the people may use their political democracy to gain economic democracy, begins to destroy political democracy in order to retain its power of exploitation and special privilege.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Labour Party Conference, 1955
Fascism arises when elites fear popular economic empowerment and thus dismantle political democracy to preserve their privilege.
In simple terms: Elites destroy democracy to keep power.
Protect democratic institutions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- voting rights
- labor movements
- policy advocacy
- education campaigns
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can prevent democratic erosion?
- How does economic inequality fuel authoritarianism?
Complex causes of fascism may be oversimplified.