Fascism is a political ideology that emphasizes strong, centralized authority, often led by a dictatorial leader. It promotes nationalism and often seeks to create a homogeneous society by suppressing dissent and opposing groups. Fascist regimes typically reject democracy and individual rights in favor of collective goals. Historically, Fascist movements emerged in the early 20th century, with notable examples including Benito Mussolini in Italy and Adolf Hitler in Germany. These regimes often employed propaganda, militarism, and state control over various aspects of life to maintain power and promote their ideologies.