Designed for secondary school and college student research, this work is a readable history and ready reference guide to the rise of fascism and the forces that brought about World War II. An introductory essay presents the most recent scholarship in a clear overview of the development of fascism in Germany and Italy. Additional essays analyze the crucial aspects of the history of fascism-from the facists' seizure of power in Italy and Germany, to the economy and society of these nations to the resistance to these governments. A concluding essay assesses the impact and legacy of Hitler and Mussolini and discusses fascism in other countries. Ready reference features include a chronology of events, lengthy biographical profiles of 15 key figures, the text of 15 key primary documents, a glossary of selected terms, and a bibliographical essay.