The rise of fascism in Europe during the early 20th century had profound historical significance. It was characterized by authoritarianism, nationalism, and the suppression of political dissent. The fascist regimes in Italy under Mussolini and Germany under Hitler sought to centralize power and promote aggressive expansionist policies, which ultimately contributed to the outbreak of World War II. Fascism's emphasis on militarism and racial superiority led to atrocities, including the Holocaust, and created deep societal divisions. Its decline after the war left a legacy of reflection on totalitarianism, shaping post-war political and social landscapes across Europe.