October 11 – Anti-fascist Uprising Day in Macedonia

nPosted October 11, 2017

Key points

nOn this date in 1941, Macedonians began an uprising against – well, as you can see in the holiday’s name – against fascists.

nThe Axis powers that occupied the region – Macedonia at that time was a part of Yugoslavia – were Italian and German troops – basically World War II Nazis.

nThe National Liberation War that finally drove out the Nazis in 1944 resulted in the Socialist Republic of Macedonia, which was a part of the the People’s Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. When Yugoslavia broke up in 1991, the Republic of Macedonia became fully independent.

nFascism is a horrible thing.

nIt’s radical – which means extreme.

It’s authoritarian – which means that a “strong” ruler acts as a dictator, ruling every aspect of peoples’ lives instead of allowing for personal freedom.

nIt’s nationalistic – which means that the country is glorified and considered better than – and more important than – other countries…and also more important than individuals or “the world.”

nIt suppresses opposition – which means that it stops people from expressing their opinions, if they disagree with the government, it doesn’t allow fair voting, and it silences debate by arresting or even killing those who disagree.

nIt’s generally bigoted – a fascist government often tries to silence or even eliminate anyone who is different – anyone who looks different, who speaks another language, who has another religion, etc.

nNowadays, forces of fascism are rising up in many countries again, even though almost every nation in the world was involved in a horrific, bloody battle to defeat fascism in the mid-1900s. (Why-oh-why can’t we learn from history?)

nActually, we can and do learn from history, and many people are fighting back against modern fascism. Join the battle!

nTo encourage us as we fight for the good, here are some lovely photos of Macedonia: