Imajae Gaines English IV

January 4, 2011 Block 3

Totalitarianism (or totalitarian rule) is an idea used to describe political systems where a state controls nearly every aspect of public and private life. Totalitarianism is used to describe Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany and other communist cultures, like Stalinist Russia, Democratic Kampuchea or North Korea. Totalitarian governments compose themselves in political power by means of an official allincluding ideology and propaganda distributed through the statecontrolled mass media, a single party that maintains the state, personality cults, central state-controlled economy, regulation and restriction of free discussion and also criticism, the use of mass surveillance, and widespread use of terror tactics. The 19th century became known as a dual revolution because of both the French and industrial revolution. During the 19th century a large class of entrepreneurs and other professionals wanted their voices heard by their governments. They became a rowdy and the government begun to use its talents by creating large, obedient bureaucracies. So European governments maintained order by giving the middle classes a saying in the welfare of the nation. Governments also built strong police forces and armies of loyal soldiers. (historyguide.org) And, of course, with mass communications come mass man, and the capability of total control. After Lenin's death in 1924, Joseph Stalin easily surpassed his rivals to gain control of the government. Stalin was determined to transform the Soviet Union into a more powerful industrial state. In 1928, therefore, he launched his first five-year plan. The plan included two main goals: rapid growth of

heavy industry and increased farm production through collectivization of agriculture. In a series of five-year plans, Stalin poured the nation's resources into vast steel buildings, electric power stations, and other industries needed in a superior modern state. (Fresno.k12.ca.us) He also forced millions of lower class to give up their land and work on collective farms, large, government-operated enterprises. Many peasants disliked the changes, and millions died in Stalin's brutal crackdown. Stalin used censorship, propaganda, and terror to force his will on the Soviet people. Government newspapers glorified work and Joseph Stalin himself. Secret police spied on citizens, and anyone who refused to worship Stalin and the state faced severe punishment, including death. Both Lenin and Stalin supported the idea of a global communist revolution and helped communists in other countries. In the 1920s, when some communist uprisings did happen in Europe, they were quickly stifled. During Joseph Stalins rule there were frightening aspects to it, however the most frightening was the brutal, unrestrained police terrorism. First used against the wealthy peasants or kulaks during the 1920s and 1930s, terror was increasingly used against party members, administrators and ordinary people. (historyguide.org) Stalins totalitarian state guaranteed a spot in history because of its physical and also very mental approach due to the fact that people were afraid of the thought hat they were being watched by the leaders of their government. The means of which Joseph Stalin used to control his regime involved eliminating all potential opposition to his rule during late 1934, and giving the secret police free reign over the country and anyone who could be labeled as an enemy of the state could and would be arrested without reason or warning.

In my opinion the most famous totalitarian dictator of course was Adolph Hitler. Hitler seemed to be evil incarnate such too as was Joseph Stalin. We also have more information about the Nazis than that of Stalin, whose communist regime was always clouded in secrecy. The Nazis, on the other hand, kept good records. Hitler copied some methods used by Joseph Stalin and also used by Benito Mussolini to build a totalitarian regime in Germany. The Nazis valued hard work and service to the state. And with the Gestapo they could arrest any and all persons suspected of going against Nazi control. The Nazis used the schools, newspapers, and also religion to set forth with their goals. They also started a violent stint against Jews sending many to prison, or concentration camps. To put a top to unemployment and help with the economy, Hitler started large building programs put a ban against strikes, and placed controls on wages and prices. He also sized up the German military, something that when against the Treaty of Versailles. The League of Nations condemned German rearmament, but did little to halt Hitler as he began to realize his dream of increasing German territory. Hitler promised the people of Germany work and food and both were delivered. He started a massive public works program to get Germany out of Despair. Superhighways, office buildings, huge stadiums and public buildings were constructed at a hasty pace. By 1936, however, government spending was now being directed mostly entirely to the military, necessary for the coming war Hitler had already specified in Mein Kampf the book written by Adolph Hitler. Meanwhile, unemployment dropped steadily. In January of 1937 unemployment was at 7 million. 12 months later it had decreased to 1 million and by 1938,

Germany witnessed a unavailability of labor. The standards of living increased by 20% and business profits were finally increasing. The Second World War marked the climax of the Age of the totalitarian regimes. Stalin's Russia and Hitler's Germany banned all liberal ideas. They tried to create a flow of everything to the State. Basic human rights were lay open to brutality and to terror. Whereas Stalin, however, was content to encompass his control over the Soviet Union, it was Hitler who aimed at unlimited regional and racial hostility of a master race. Hitler made war inevitable first with France, then with Britain and Russia and eventually with the United States. Other Totalitarian regimes functioned differently such as the dictatorship in North Korea.

North Korea is a dictatorship originally organized by Kim Il-sung and his son, Kim Jong-il. Communist conditioning starts when first born and continues through adulthood. North Koreans are introduced to propaganda surrounding the communist state that their government uses. Starting at three months babies are entered in day cares where their teachings begin. They learn communist policies and political ideology. North Korea spreads the majority of its influence over the hearts and souls of the people through the total control and manipulating all of the information made available to the public. All literature contains stories about ideologies; all parts media related are influenced totally by the state. By having control over what a person comes in contact with anyone can control what he or she thinks and believes. Also, visuals of leaders are plastered on the walls of

the classes, located all around the city and are there for people to worship. Microphones blast government policies and tell of their leaders heroics all day long causing citizens to constantly feel as though there is no freedom which is exactly what leaders want.
Totalitarianism describes political systems where a state controls almost every aspect of public and private life. The term is usually given to Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany or hard-line communist cultures, such as Stalinist Russia, Democratic Kampuchea or North Korea. Totalitarians states compose themselves in political power by means of an official all-including ideology and propaganda distributed through the state-controlled mass media, a single party that maintains the state, personality cults, central state-controlled economy, regulation and restriction of free discussion and also criticism, the use of mass surveillance, and widespread use of terror tactics.