What?: A political theory where the government has total control over the people and the state is supreme

Where?: Germany and Italy during the interwar years.

When?: 1922-1945

Who?: Benito Mussolini and Adolph Hitler are the prime example of fascist leaders.

Why?: As unemployment and economic hard times spread after World War I people in newly democratic nations in Europe turned toward the security of authoritarianism and elected Fascist dictatorships.

How?:
1) Strict state control over the media and art
2) An active secret police force
3) A dictator with total control over the government and the people.
4)Fear and intimidation are the tools the leader uses to keep his people in line.

Associated Terms: 1) Autocracy,2) Dictatorship, 3) Totalitarian Dictatorship, 4) Censorship, 5) Secret Police