This article explores the essence, origins, similarities, and differences between Italian fascism and German National Socialism, taking into account the prevailing reactionary ideologies of modern times in several Western countries. Ideologically, fascism represented a collection of reactionary socio-philosophical and political doctrines, united by extreme nationalism, chauvinism, racism, anti-communism, and anti-Semitism. Fascism lacked any coherent scientific doctrine; it appealed to the base, often instinctive, impulses of the masses and was characterized by extreme militancy and aggressiveness.