Final answer:
In the 1950s, the term 'totalitarianism' described a form of government that exerts absolute control over its citizens, commonly associated with political systems under the ideologies of fascism, Nazism, and communism.
Step-by-step explanation:
What Did Totalitarianism Describe in the 1950s?
In the 1950s, the term totalitarianism was used to describe a form of government that seeks to control every aspect of both the public and private lives of its citizens. The concept is associated with extreme and centralized control over the state, where a single political party or leader wields absolute authority, and opposing perspectives and individual freedoms are suppressed. Two ideologies that manifested totalitarian regimes in the 20th century were fascism and Nazism (National Socialism), with countries such as Italy under Benito Mussolini and Germany under Adolf Hitler reflecting this form of governance. Furthermore, communism, especially under leaders like Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union, also exemplified totalitarian characteristics.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is d. Fascism, Nazism, and communism.