单选题 The passage suggests which of the following about fascist dictatorships?

(A) They represent a more efficient form of the executive.
(B) Their rise to power came about through an accident of history.
(C) They mark a regression to earlier despotic forms of government.
(D) Despite superficial dissimilarities, they are in essence like absolute monarchies.
(E) They maintain their dominance by rechanneling opposing forces in new directions.

【正确答案】 C

【答案解析】If the fascist dictatorships "are the first truly tyrannical governments which western Europe has known for centuries," then it can be inferred that centuries ago there were tyrannical or despotic governments in western Europe. Thus, the fascist governments represent a regression or reversion to an earlier form of government.