Fascism is a far-right ideology characterized by extreme nationalism, a dictator with total control over a single-party state, and the suppression of opposition through intimidation and propaganda. Fascist regimes rose to power in Italy under Mussolini, Germany under Hitler, and Spain under Franco. The rise of fascism was fueled by economic instability after World War 1, dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Versailles, fear of communism following the Russian Revolution, and support from the middle classes who felt politically marginalized.