Fascism is generally a military dictatorship based on strong nationalist sentiment, racism and the suppression of opposition by using force. Fascists come to power by exploiting patriotism, racism and fear. Benito Mussolini invented the term in 1925 and used it proudly.

Mussolini installed himself as Italy's dictator in 1925. He blamed foreigners for Italy's problems and failed to carry out many of his promises. He also built up Italy's military, and in 1935, invaded Ethiopia.

Another famous fascist, Francisco Franco, overthrew the Spanish government in 1936 in the Spanish Civil War. Franco and his fascist rebels won the war largely because of military aid from Germany and Italy.

Adolf Hitler, also a fascist, took power in 1933 mainly by blaming outsiders for the humiliating position in which Germany found itself after World War I. War reparations, the hyperinflation of 1923 and then the international economic depression all fed the fascist rhetoric of blaming foreigners and Jews.

Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler both

A
believed Germans did not suffer as a result of the first World War.

B
blamed foreigners for problems in their countries.

C
thought a strong economy could survive periods of inflation.

D
fought against the rise of fascism.