A far-right, authoritarian political ideology characterized by dictatorial power, extreme nationalism, and forcible suppression of opposition. A system of government marked by centralized autocracy and severe economic and social regimentation.
From Italian fascismo, derived from fascio (bundle), referring to the fasces - a bundle of rods with an axe that symbolized authority in ancient Rome. Mussolini adopted this symbol to represent the strength that comes from unity under authoritarian rule.
Remember the fasces symbol - individual sticks are weak, but bundled together they're strong. Fascists use this metaphor to justify crushing individual rights for 'collective strength' under a dictator. The bundle hides the axe that cuts down opposition!
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