In the 1950s, what did the term "totalitarianism" describe?

a. Fascism and national socialism.

b. Socialism and communism.

c. Social democracy and the New Deal.

d. Fascism, Nazism, and communism.

e. Capitalism and conservatism.

The correct answer is D: Fascism, Nazism, and Communism.

Explanation:

Shortly after World War II, the word totalitarianism was used to describe regimes of government ruled by a single party, with total control of the military, economy, education, means of communication, with extremely high measures of control over public and private life. In this type of government, one person or party exercises absolute control over all spheres of life, while opposing political parties are strictly prohibited.

The most notable examples of totalitarian states include:

- Italy under Benito Mussolini (1922 - 1943) - Fascism

- Germany under Adolf Hitler (1933 - 1945) - Nazism

- the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin (1924 - 1953) - Communism