Democracy and the Rise of Dictatorships

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the political systems and historical terms associated with the rise of dictators and the differences between democracy, fascism, and communism.

Democracy

A system where voters choose between different candidates and parties, governments are elected, and everyone follows the rule of law.

Due process

The principle that no one is arrested or put on trial without evidence or a proper court case.

Dictator

An absolute ruler who controls his country by force and does not allow people their freedom.

Totalitarian state

A state where the political leader totally controls the way citizens think and live through media, education, and propaganda.

Fascism

An extreme form of nationalism and racism where the government strictly controls politics and the economy.

Nazi Party

The National Socialist German Workers' Party led by Adolf Hitler, which took control of Germany in $1933$.

Der Fuhrer

The title used by followers of Adolf Hitler, meaning the leader.

Lebensraum

A German concept meaning 'living Space,' representing the idea that Germans must conquer and colonize territory to the east.

Zaibatsu

Private companies developed by the government that controlled the economy of Japan.

Collectivization

The Soviet Union policy of combining small farms into large factory-like farms run by the government.