Final answer:
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, the rise of fascist, National Socialist, and communist governments were fueled by public discontent with existing democratic systems and capitalist economic models. Fascist governments in Italy, Spain, and Germany, and communist regimes such as the Soviet Union, imposed authoritarian rule in response to economic crises and a desire for national rejuvenation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, widespread misery, oppression, and discontent with corrupt politicians who were perceived to govern for the wealthy elite led to the rise of various forms of government. Among these, fascist governments became prominent in countries such as Italy, Spain, and Germany. Fascism capitalized on the people's desire for national rejuvenation, promising to restore greatness through unity, nationalism, and often racial purity. High levels of public dissatisfaction created fertile ground for authoritarian leaders like Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler to take power and implement totalitarian regimes that sought to control all aspects of life.
Meanwhile, in response to extreme misery and economic disparities, the appeal of communism and its promise of economic equality grew, particularly in capitalist countries where the devastation of the Great Depression was most acute. However, several communist governments, such as the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, turned authoritative, imposing severe restrictions on individual freedoms and resulting in widespread suffering.
While the rise of National Socialism in Germany shared similar authoritarian traits with fascist and communist governments, it also had unique characteristics such as the emphasis on Aryan supremacy and the ultimate goal of territorial expansion. The Communist government placed a heavy emphasis on social ownership of the means of production and purported to work towards a classless society.
In summary, the globally felt economic hardships and disillusionment with existing democratic systems provided an opportunity for difficult ideologies like fascism, National Socialism, and communism to take root and lead to the establishment of totalitarian regimes in various countries.