Revolutions for independence and the fall of fascist regimes are frequently turning points in a country’s history. Although both mark pivotal moments in the history of government and the popular will, there are clear differences between the setting, objectives, and results of these two kinds of revolutions. Gaining knowledge of the distinction between independence and overthrowing a fascist regime is essential to comprehending the many routes that different countries take in their pursuit of freedom, democracy, and self-determination.
The process through which a nation wrests autonomy and sovereignty from a foreign force is referred to as independence. This usually happens when a country that has been subjected to colonial authority, occupation, or any other kind of external dominance struggles to become an independent, self-governing state. Ending foreign rule, regaining political power, and forging a new national identity based on the hopes of the populace are the main goals of an independence movement.
Conversely, the elimination of an authoritarian state that frequently adheres to fascist principles is necessary in order to overthrow a fascist government. Fascism is typified by its intense nationalism, authoritarian rule, repression of dissent, and frequently glorifying violence. Liberating a nation from internal oppression is a more common goal of overthrowing such a government than obtaining independence from an outside power. The main focus of removing a fascist regime is to restore democracy, human rights, and political freedoms within a nation that has suffered under totalitarian control. In these cases, the population or allied forces aimed to dismantle an oppressive, nationalist government that stripped away civil liberties, rather than to achieve national sovereignty.
When a country gains independence, it is oppressed by a foreign force that has political, economic, and occasionally cultural sway over it. The fight is against dominance from without. Conversely, internal oppression usually comes from a dictatorial state that uses violence, propaganda, and authoritarian methods to repress its own people. Restoring freedoms and liberties throughout the nation is the battle.
Historical instances of a nation achieving national independence and overthrowing an autocratic and fascist regime within its borders vary, including
Examples of Independence Movements:
The United States gaining independence from Britain in 1776.
India achieving independence from British colonial rule in 1947.
Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan in 1971, becoming the Mother Land.
Many African nations securing freedom from European powers during the mid-20th century.
Examples of Ousting Fascist Governments:
The fall of Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime in Italy in 1943 during World War II.
The overthrow of Adolf Hitler’s Nazi government in Germany in 1945.
The downfall of Francisco Franco’s fascist dictatorship in Spain following his death in 1975.
the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awamileague administration in 2024 in our motherland.
Therefore, respecting the independence of Bangladesh in 1971 as well as the possibility of a fascist regime being overthrown by a student movement in 2024 requires acknowledging the common themes of freedom, resistance, and the struggle of the people for self-determination.
Underline that Bangladesh’s continuous pursuit of freedom, justice, and democratic governance is marked by significant turning points, including both the independence movement of 1971 and the 2024 movement. The struggle for independence in 1971 was, like the student movement against dictatorship in 2024, a struggle against oppression.
The people’s will lies at the heart of both instances. Emphasise the courage of the Bangladeshi people in opposing injustice and fighting for their country’s future in both the 1971 freedom fighters and the 2024 student activists. Emphasise that while occurring decades apart, the establishment and defence of a democratic Bangladesh is the shared objective of both campaigns. Describe how the movement of 2024 can be viewed as carrying on the liberation movement of 1971 and defending the nation’s fundamental principles of democracy, freedom, and human rights.
Show how Bangladesh has changed from battling for independence in 1971 to aiming for more profound democracy in 2024 in order to honour both occasions. This shows the country’s steadfast perseverance and dedication to development. Finally, by drawing a link between the principles of independence, democracy, and resistance to oppression, you honour the liberation of 1971 as well as the potential student-led fight against fascism in 2024 by telling a story of struggle and hope
Legal Researcher and Educator
Founder Director, Shah Legal Aid and Research Centre
