Totalitarianism a.k.a., The Rise of Dictators after World War I.

Totalitarianism

a.k.a., The Rise of Dictators after World War I

A. The Lost Generation

The name given to the young people who came of age during World War I.

It referred not just to the dead, but also to the living who survived the war but were still lost.

A. The Lost Generation (cont.)

The living suffered from a loss of faith in many traditional things:

1) God.

2) Country.

3) Mankind.

A. The Lost Generation (cont.)

In Italy, Germany and Russia, several factors contributed to the rise of charismatic dictators:

1) Loss of faith.

2) Economic destruction.

3) Dissatisfaction with theTreaty of Versailles.

A. The Lost Generation (cont.)

Suffering, angry people were vulnerable to the promises and rants of those who wanted power.

Having lost faith in traditional institutions, they were hungry for something new to believe in.

1) One-party dictatorship

All other parties outlawed.

No competitive elections.

Hardship demands unity.

B. Features of Totalitarianism

Nazi Party

Germany Italy Soviet Union

Fascist Party CommunistParty

2) All-powerful leader

Head of the party has total power.

Worshipped in “cult of personality.”

Defying him comes at a high price.

B. Features of Totalitarianism

Adolf Hitler BenitoMussolini

Josef Stalin

B. Features of Totalitarianism

3) No individual rights

A luxury we can’t afford.

Causes disunity; stops progress.

Focus is on obedience & sacrifice for the good of the

whole.

B. Features of Totalitarianism

4) Use of propaganda

Govt controls all media outlets.

“Big Lie” technique.

Akin to brainwashing.

B. Features of Totalitarianism

5) Use of violence Opposition is swiftly silenced.

People are scared into submission.

Controls word of mouth.

B. Features of Totalitarianism

6) Promise of an ideal society

Utopia in exchange for sacrifice.

“Carrot & stick” approach.

Offers hope to suffering, vulnerable people.

World domination

by the “master race.”

Rebuild theRomanEmpire.

Create a “classless”

society.

B. Features of Totalitarianism

7) Scapegoating Provide angry people with a

common enemy.

Quickest way to build unity.

Allows the many to put blame on the few.

“Inferior” races.

(i.e., non-Germans)

Communists.The propertiedclasses.