Got it.... When I think of the true definition of fascist Mussolini is the best example that comes to mind.. he fits the dictionary definition of fascist...
with the term theoretical/economic fascist I still don’t see where that term applies here...
because TR’s control of the government or the economy was not absolute...
He did have a weak congress and other politicians at the time that he ran rough shod over, but by no means do I think it rises to the level of fascism...
but then again the dictionary definition of Racism could be wrong..
Main Entry: fas·cism Pronunciation: \ˈfa-ËŒshi-zÉ™m also ˈfa-ËŒsi-\ Function: noun Etymology: Italian fascismo, from fascio bundle, fasces, group, from Latin fascis bundle & fasces fasces Date: 1921 1often capitalized : a political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition 2: a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control
Your point is well taken, but I would assert that the early activities of the Progressives were the first steps of the fascist movement... brought to its logical conclusion by Mussolini.