Final answer:
Dictatorships commonly arose in the post-World War I era due to economic hardship, military influence, and political chaos. They often began under leaders who promised stability and ended with regimes noted for ruling through fear, such as in the case of Stalin and Hitler.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dictatorship is often established through a combination of factors like economic despair, military might, and political instability. After World War I, for example, numerous fledgling democracies faced extreme difficulties, leading to the rise of totalitarian regimes. These authoritarian leaders promised food, jobs, and stability, which appealed to populations suffering from poverty and disillusionment with democratic governments.
In Russia, the challenges highlighted by World War I paved the way for a totalitarian dictatorship. Weak leadership and lack of industrialization contributed to a power vacuum filled by authoritarian rulers. Similarly, in various African nations, post-colonial struggles often led to military coups and regimes that violently seized power amidst civil unrest.
Countries like Italy, Spain, and Germany saw the installment of fascist governments during the 1930s. The allure of fascism was its promise of national rebirth through extreme nationalism and often violent suppression of opposition, leading these countries towards dictatorial rule. Notably, some dictators, such as Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler, became infamous for ruling through fear and intimidation.