What is Fascism?

Fascism is an extreme political philosophy that holds
nation and race above the individual, advocating the establishment of an authoritarian
government with absolute power vested in the leader. After World War I (1914–18) a
fascist movement developed in Italy under the leadership of Benito Mussolini
(1883–1945). Around this time another fascist group, the National Socialist German
Workers' party (Nazis), was gaining power in Germany. Mussolini took control of the
Italian government in 1922, instituting strict economic and social programs: opposition
to his dictatorship was forcibly suppressed. In 1936 Italy became allied with Germany
(under German chancellor and führer (supreme leader) Adolf Hitler; 1889–1945) and Japan
to form the Axis powers, an alliance that was ultimately defeated by the Allied nations
(chiefly Great Britain, the United States, and Soviet Union) in World War II (1939–45).
Mussolini died by execution in 1945. As a result, the fascist movement in Italy
dramatically declined at the end of the
war.

Further Information:
"Fascism." Compton's Encyclopedia. [Online] Available href="http://www.optonline.com/comptons/ceo/01603_A.html"
target="_blank">http://www.optonline.com/comptons/ceo/01603_A.html,
November 7, 2000; "Fascism." MSN Encarta. [Online] Available href="http://encarta.msn.com/find/Concise.asp?ti"
target="_blank">http://encarta.msn.com/find/Concise.asp?ti=04196000,
November 7, 2000; Fascism in Italy. [Online] Available href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/modern/fascism/fascihtm.htm"
target="_blank">http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/modern/fascism/fascihtm.htm,
November 7, 2000; Hartenian, Larry. Benito Mussolini. New York:
Chelsea House, 1988.