I think economic and political stability helps stop radical political ideas such as fascism. In the cases of Italy, Japan, and Germany, fascism rose at times when the economy was in turmoil. A political system with checks and balances can help stem the rise of a fascist group.
Faith in socialism, capitalism or communism prevents the rise of fascism because it combines aspects of these things but is different from them all. The idea that democracy is failing can help it rise. Hitler exploited the instability of Germany's democracy and the failure of the coalition governments to push for total power, presenting the idea that Germany needed a 'firm hand' for 4 years to get back on steady footing.
The form of travel that greatly helped with the industrialization of north america was the steam engine or wagon.... (only two i remember being in the 1800's that were used a lot could even be the steam boat)
