Creating the ‘New Fascist Man’

Abstract

Abstract The creation of the Fascist New Man was one of the primary objectives of the Mussolini regime. This article aims to examine the theme by way of a specific case study of the physician and Fascist party official Giorgio Alberto Chiurco. A Fascist ‘of the first hour’ and faithful follower of Mussolini, Chiurco expressed his commitment to the project of creating a new Italian man with activity in various sectors. In medicine and sports, by promoting the training of new generations that would be healthy and athletic. In eugenics, by promoting the defense of the national genetic heritage from the ‘peril’ of contamination. In politics and culture, by promoting the so-called fascistization of schools and universities. All this activity shows, on the one hand, the important contribution made by single individuals to the totalitarian project of the regime and, on the other, the efficacy with which Fascism succeeded in orienting the activities of intellectuals and scientists on a national and international level.