Final answer:
Fascism profoundly impacted society during the 20th century by promoting strong nationalism, rejecting democracy, and establishing totalitarian regimes in several European countries, contributing to the outbreak of World War II and affecting political, cultural, and social structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Significance of Fascism to Society
Fascism is a political ideology that had a profound impact on the 20th century, especially during the interwar years and World War II. At its core, fascism centralized the power within a single state or a leader and emphasized strong nationalism, rejecting democratic principles and promoting a social hierarchy. The Italian Fascist Party, coining the term based on the Latin fascii, symbolizes unity and strength in collectivity, with the axe representing the power over life and death, a notion rooted in ancient Rome.
The Great Depression offered fertile ground for fascist ideologies to take root, as it promised stability, order, and a shield against communism. Countries like Italy, Spain, and Germany adopted fascist regimes, which were characterized by authoritarian rule, suppression of opposition, and importance given to racial purity and national unity. Fascist leaders like Benito Mussolini in Italy dismantled democratic institutions, emphasizing the inefficiency of parliamentary democracy, and instead favored strong, charismatic leadership that could decisively act on behalf of the nation.
Fascism's rejection of liberalism and socialism attracted various supporters, from property owners to workers seeking stability. Although initially seeming to offer benefits such as social order and economic control, fascism led to the erosion of freedoms, instigation of aggression, and the brutal imposition of a totalitarian government which sought control over all aspects of life. The totalitarianism associated with fascism profoundly influenced the politics, culture, and social structure of the societies it dominated, contributing to the outbreak of World War II and leaving a lasting mark on global history.