The democratic principles that form the basis of the idea of America were challenged during the twentieth century.  Following the cataclysm of World War I, many nations around the globe adopted ideologies such as fascism and communism in which individual freedom was rejected and self-governance was deemed an impediment to progress.

The totalitarian visions of these regimes directly challenged the principles of democracy, including free speech, individual rights, and economic liberty.  In each of these states, the government held absolute power over individuals; state ideology held that individual freedom and rights were illusory and should be sacrificed to move towards an idealized future.

The results were catastrophic.  Totalitarian nations pursued policies of conquest and subjugation, imprisoning and murdering those considered obstacles to their goals.

During World War II and the Cold War, free nations fought long and costly battles against totalitarianism.  Ultimately, the ideals of freedom and democracy championed by the United States and its allies prevailed.

Describe totalitarianism by comparing the goals, methods, and results of fascism and communism.  How were the tenets of these totalitarian movements different from the ideals that unite Americans?  How did the ideals embodied in the American founding prevail?