Totalitarian flashcards

Authoritarianism

Strong central power, limited freedoms, suppresses opinions; not total control.

Totalitarianism

Government controls almost all aspects of public and private life.

Difference in totalitarianism governments

Totalitarianism = more extreme
(All totalitarian = authoritarian, not vice versa)

Fascism

Dictatorship that puts nation above individuals, controls society/economy, crushes opposition.

S - Supreme ruler

One leader has total power (Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini)

C - Controls society

State controls education, religion, daily life

• Stalin: collectivization

• Hitler: Hitler Youth

• Mussolini: censorship

O - Owns media

Government controls/censors media (Nazi, Soviet, Italian propaganda)

O - Obedience to state

Citizens must obey; punishment can extend to families

P - Police state

Secret police enforce control (fear, arrests, terror)

How did Hitler rise to power?

Used economic problems + anger over Treaty of Versailles
Became Chancellor (1933) → dictator

What were some of Hitler’s policies/actions?

Anti-Semitism (Nuremberg Laws)
Expansion (Lebensraum, Rhineland)
Reduced unemployment (military + public works)

What were Hitler’s control methods?

Propaganda + rallies + Hitler Youth
Gestapo (secret police)
Personality cult

Does Hitler’s regime show all SCOOP characteristics?

True

How did Stalin rise to power?

Took over after Lenin (1924)
Used purges + show trials

What were some of Stalin’s policies/actions?

Five-Year Plans (industrialization)
Collectivization (forced farming)
Government-controlled economy

What were Stalin’s control methods?

NKVD (secret police)
Propaganda + censorship
Personality cult

What did Stalin use to maintain absolute power?

Used political + economic control + terror

How did Mussolini rise to power?

Promised recovery after WWI
Angry about Treaty of Versailles
Became leader (1922)

What were Mussolini’s policies/actions?

State-directed economy (kept private property)
Expansion in Africa/Balkans
Promoted nationalism + militarism

How did Mussolini control the media?

Propaganda
OVRA (secret police)
Public ceremonies

Mussolini’s rule was not authoritarian with some totalitarian traits.

False

Propaganda

Promotes ideas, glorifies leader, discourages opposition

Censorship

Controls information + education

Secret police

Fear, arrests, purges

Youth indoctrination

Teaches obedience (Hitler Youth, Soviet schools)

Personality cult

Leader seen as perfect/hero

Economic control

Government controls economy (planning, collectivization)