ALL HAIL PREMIER LAMAlso, the six characteristics of totalitarianism, and how Stalin took power

DEFINITION OF TOTALITARIANISMA system of government where the state has complete power over all aspects of a person’s life

Examples: Nazi Germany under HitlerSoviet Union under Stalin Italy under Mussolini

1. DYNAMIC LEADERUnites the peopleEncourages people to devote themselves to the state

Dominates the face of the government

Charismatic – attracts people’s respect

2. ORGANIZED VIOLENCEState uses force to crush all opposition

Targets certain segments of the populationEthnic minoritiesPolitical opponents Intellectuals (i.e., the people who might challenge the regime)

3. IDEOLOGY Ideology = system of fixed beliefs

Justifies government actions

Glorifies the stateCitizens are taught to uncritically accept the ideology

Communism – state ownership of the means of production

Criticized opponents as ‘enemies of the proletariat’ (working class)

In your notes: What do you think was Stalin’s ideology?

4. STATE CONTROLThe state controls all parts of lifeBusiness, labor, the economy

Family lifeYouth groupsReligionEducation and the arts

5. STATE OVER THE INDIVIDUALThe interests of the state are placed above the interests of the individual

Total lack of freedom and civil liberties

No concept of human rights or protection for minorities

6. DEPENDENCE ON MODERN TECHNOLOGY Reliance on mass communication to convey propaganda Radio Television

Continual bombardment with propaganda

Manipulation/control of the media – government bans criticism of the press

VLADIMIR LENINBolshevik revolutionaryLeader of Russia, 1917-1922

Leader of USSR, 1922-1924

Died 1924Pragmatic leader – focused on restoring economy before establishing communism

JOSEPH STALINConsidered unrefined and rudeBecame Secretary-General of the Communist Party in 1922

Maneuvered into power after Lenin’s death

Dictator of USSR from 1928 until his death in 1953