Kind of amazes me that despite lessons taught by history that they're people who seem happy to go on the path towards fascism

Authoritarianism vs. Fascism
What's the Difference?

Authoritarianism and Fascism are both forms of government that prioritize centralized control and authority. However, while Authoritarianism is a broad term that encompasses any system of government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms, Fascism is a specific ideology that promotes extreme nationalism, authoritarianism, and often includes elements of racism and totalitarianism. Fascism typically involves a charismatic leader who exerts total control over the state and suppresses dissent through violence and propaganda. In contrast, Authoritarianism can take various forms and may not necessarily include the same level of ideological extremism as Fascism.