[Classical] Fascism was interesting for a few reasons, some of them being its relationship to the labour movement:
- ᴉuᴉlossnW was a prominent socialist until their expulsion from the PSI for their nationalist views, and if we take them at their word in their last testament while captured by communists, they considered themself a socialist
- Fascism managed to bring other former Marxist communists into their ranks, notably Nicola Bombacci, a founding member of the Communist Party of Italy in 1921 until their expulsion for fascist views in 1927
- Fascism was economically a class-collaborationist ideology (specifically corporativism, from the Latin corpus, body)
Now, of course, we have the benefit of hindsight and can see what a disaster Italian fascism and its friends were and the name of 'fascism' is forever tainted. But theoretically a modern equivalent could similarly appeal to both nationalists and the socialist-leaning today in a similar way. Fascism doesn't logically imply racism, nor does it necessarily exclude certain types of progressivism: see BUF gaining large support from women by being pro-suffrage, see environmentalism of eco-fascists, and consider some modern neofash parties adopting social democrat policy points.
With all this in mind, what were the early warning signs that Fascism was not going to be pro-worker, despite its rhetoric? How well do you believe socialists will be able to spot them?
It definitely helps! This gives a useful overview on the Fascist (incl. Nazi) denouncement of 'bourgeois capitalism' [decadent haute capitalists] and some of the reasons they don't take steps towards actually removing the haute bourgeoise which they continually criticize.
Can you expand on what you mean by pointing out Fascists often had military backgrounds? I'm aware that WWI shaped a lot of Fascist leaders and ideas (e.g. German stab-in-the-back myth, overall militancy and pro-war aspects of Fascism, creating economic crisis) there's definitely a relationship, but as you mentioned, being having a military background isn't enough on its own as there are antiwar antifascists from military families and who served in the military, even high-up former members like Green Beret SSG Evan Brown, and then there are cases like the '43 Group (returning Jewish ex-servicemen from WWII who effectively destroyed the BUF). Is the take-away that we should be cautious of ex-military who remain pro-war?
If they won’t listen to reason, then it is probably for the best to shun or expel self‐identified socialists (e.g. Benito Mussolini) who persistently advocate adding another dictatorship of the bourgeoisie (e.g. the Kingdom of Italy) to a war, or who repeatedly defend (neo)imperialist aggressors such as the NATO or the so‐called ‘State of Israel’.
While the tendency seems to be somewhat commoner in those with a military background, it is, of course, by no means universal to them, and technically anybody can be prowar. As with a history under abusive parenters, a military background can be a cause for concern but certainly no guarantee that somebody is a potential neofascist.
So basically,
We should be cautious of anybody who remains prowar, yes.
I found a YouTube link in your comment. Here are links to the same video on alternative frontends that protect your privacy: