Identify the characteristics of fascism in italy and germany prior to the start of world war ii.

Question: Identify the characteristics of fascism in italy and germany prior to the start of world war ii.

Fascism in Italy and Germany before World War II shared several characteristics, despite the unique cultural and political contexts of each nation. In Italy, under Mussolini, fascism emerged with a strong nationalist sentiment, promoting the idea of a powerful, unified state reminiscent of the Roman Empire. This ideology was marked by authoritarianism, a disdain for democracy, and a focus on militarism. Similarly, in Germany, Hitler's National Socialism was characterized by extreme nationalism, a rejection of democracy, and a belief in racial hierarchy. Both regimes exhibited contempt for liberal values, enforced a one-party state, and suppressed opposition through the use of propaganda and state-controlled media. The desire to create a unified community, or Volksgemeinschaft in Germany, where the interests of individuals were subordinate to the goals of the nation, was also a common thread. These elements combined to form governments that exerted total control over the social, economic, and political life of their respective countries.