Totalitarianism

1
Totalitarianism

• Chapter 14, Section 2

2
Introduction

• After Lenin dies, Stalin seizes power and
  transforms the Soviet Union into a totalitarian
  state.
• Stalin, Lenins successor, dramatically
  transformed the government of the Soviet Union.
  Stalin was determined that the Soviet Union
  should find its place both politically and
  economically among the most powerful of nations
  in the world. Using tactics designed to rid
  himself of opposition, Stalin worked to establish
  total control of all aspects of life in the
  Soviet Union. He controlled not only the
  government, but also the economy and many aspects
  of citizens private lives. (p. 874)

3
Total, Centralized State Control

• Totalitarianismgovernment that dominates every
  aspect of life
• Totalitarian leader is often dynamic and
  persuasive

4
6 Features of a Totalitarian State

• 1. Single-Party Dictatorship
• 2. State control of economy
• 3. Police spies and state terrorism
• 4. Strict Censorship and government control of
  media
• 5. Use of Schools and media to indoctrinate and
  mobilize citizens
• 6. Unquestioned obedience to a single ruler

5
Police Terror

• Government uses police to spy on and intimidate
  people
• Normally, the police are expected to respond to
  criminal activity and protect the citizens. In a
  totalitarian state, the police serve enforce the
  central governments policies. (p. 874)

6
Indoctrination

• Government shapes peoples minds through slanted
  education
• Control of education is absolutely essential to
  glorify the leader and his policies and to
  convince all citizens that their unconditional
  loyalty and support are required. (p. 874, 876)

7
Propaganda and Censorship

• Totalitarian states spread propaganda.
• Government controls all mass media, and crushes
  opposing views. Censorship

8
Religious or Ethnic Persecution

• Leaders brand religious, ethnic minorities
  enemies of the state.

9
(No Transcript)
10
Case Study Stalinist Russia
11
Stalin Builds a Totalitarian State

• Stalin aims to create Communist state in Russia.
• He began by destroying his enemiesreal and
  imagined.
• Eliminates Leon Trotsky
• Eliminates members of the Politburo
• Socialism in One Country

12
New Economic System

• Command economythe government makes all the
  economic decisions.

13
An Agricultural Revolution

• In 1928, government creates collective
  farmslarge, state-owned farms.
• Peasants resist this change, and 5-10 million
  peasants die in the crackdown.
• Kulaks
• By 1938, agricultural production is rising.

14
An Industrial Revolution

• Five-Year Plans 1928-33 1932-37
• Stalins plans for developing the economy
• Prepare for Germany!!!
• Result large growth in industrial power, but a
  shortage in consumer goods

15
Police State

• Stalins police (CHEKA) attack opponents with
  public force and secret actions
• First Purges 1930-33
• The Great Purge Great Terror) 1934-39
• Terror campaign against Stalins perceived
  enemies.
• The purge involved
• The old Bolsheviks who helped in the 1917
  Revolution.
• The Red Army leadership
• Repression of the Kulaks or better off,
  independent landowning peasants
• The Church
• Ethnic Groups
• Ordinary People
• By the end of 1938 Stalin is in complete control
  8-13 million people are dead as a result.

16
Russian Propaganda and Censorship

• Government controls newspapers, radio, and
  movies.
• Stalin developed a cult of personality often
  glorifying himself in official propaganda posters
  (see right).
• Artists are censored, controlled their work is
  harnessed to glorify the Party

17
Education and Indoctrination

• Government controls all education, from early
  grades to college.
• Children learn the virtues of the Communist
  Party.
• Teachers and students who challenge the Party are
  punished.

18
Gains at Great Cost

• People better educated, gain new skills.
• Limited personal freedoms very few consumer
  goods.
• Woman Gain Rights
• Communists say women are equal to men.
• Women forced to join labor force state provides
  child care
• Many women receive advanced educations and become
  professionals.
• Women suffer from the demands of work and family.

19
Powerful Ruler

• By mid-1930s, Stalin has transformed Soviet Union
• Totalitarian regime industrial, political power
• Stalin controls all aspects of Soviet life
• Unopposed as dictator, Communist Party leader
• Rules by terror instead of constitutional
  government
• Demands conformity and obedience.