Totalitarian regimes typically violate basic human rights and deny common freedoms in maintaining total control over their citizens. The Nazi party in Germany was influenced by Italian fascism and created a totalitarian state emphasizing racial identity and fascist ideology. In 1964, Juan Jos Linz, Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Political Science at Yale University, described the four most recognizable characteristics of authoritarian states as: Modern dictatorships such as Venezuela under Hugo Chvez and Cuba under Fidel Castro typify authoritarian governments. We call these characteristics fascism, authoritarianism, and totalitarianism. No dissent or internal political differences are allowed. It helped me pass my exam and the test questions are very similar to the practice quizzes on Study.com. Corrections? In Ancient China, the Qin Dynasty (221207 BCE) was ruled by the philosophy of Legalism, under which political activity was virtually prohibited, all literature was destroyed, and those who opposed or questioned Legalism were executed. Totalitarianism Characteristics & Facts | What is a Totalitarian? Total domination which strives to organize the infinite plurality and differentiation of human beings as is all of humanity were just one individual . 185 BCE), the Qin dynasty of China (221207 BCE), and the reign of Zulu chief Shaka (c. 181628). The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. https://www.britannica.com/question/What-are-examples-of-totalitarian-rule. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like The official ideology of a totalitarian nation is focused on creating and promoting Totalitarianism, Which characteristics of Nazi Germany's government were those of a totalitarian state? Learn more about the world with our collection of regional and country maps. Ignorance is strength.. During the ensuing Great Terror in 1937 and 1938, millions of innocent Soviet citizens were either arrested and executed or sent to labor camps. Stalin gained control by blackmailing many of the leaders in the communist government and eventually murdered his main rival, Leon Trotsky. Across Italy, fascist agitators known as blackshirts intimidated socialists and other political opponents. Omissions? He took on the nickname 'Uncle Joe' in an effort to give off a kind and friendly personality. The government/leader controls all of what the people can do and have. Domestic terrorism conducted in support of the regime against dissidents is celebrated through the wearing of party uniforms and the use of complimentary metaphors for terrorists such as storm troopers, freedom fighters, or labor brigades. To further rally universal support for their ideology, totalitarian regimes strive to convince all individuals that they are civilian soldiers in an endless war, against an often loosely-defined evil enemy. Fig. Totalitarianism is often distinguished from dictatorship, despotism, or tyranny by its supplanting of all political institutions with new ones and its sweeping away of all legal, social, and political traditions. Germany and Italy disputed the Versailles treaty. The General Characteristics of Totalitarian Dictatorship There are several characteristics that are common to totalitarian regimes, including: Rule by a single party Total control of the military Total control over means of communication (such as. Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081) Prep, SAT Subject Test US History: Practice and Study Guide, NY Regents Exam - Global History and Geography: Help and Review, NY Regents Exam - US History and Government: Help and Review, CLEP Western Civilization II - 1648 to the Present Prep, Western Civilization From 1648 to Today: Certificate Program, Post-Civil War U.S. History: Help and Review, American History Since 1865: Tutoring Solution, Post-Civil War American History: Homework Help, DSST The Civil War and Reconstruction Prep, The Civil War and Reconstruction: Certificate Program, The Civil War and Reconstruction: Help and Review, High School US History Syllabus Resource & Lesson Plans, High School World History Curriculum Resource & Lesson Plans, Create an account to start this course today. Police operations within a totalitarian state often appear similar to those within a police state, but one important difference distinguishes them. In addition, constitutional democracy and totalitarianism, as forms of the modern state, share many characteristics. This passion for racial purity often led fascist leaders to undertake mandatory genetic modification programs intended to create a pure national race through selective breeding. Stefano Bianchetti/Corbis via Getty Images. Instead, he was the final arbiter in the interpretation of MarxismLeninismStalinism and changed his interpretations at will. According to Human Rights Watch, the entire working life of many Eritreans is spent serving the government. What factors led to a rise of fascism and totalitarianism in Europe? Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you succeed. More recent examples of totalitarian states include Iraq under Saddam Hussein and North Korea under Kim Jong-un. This is, however, a mistake. Nazi Germany (193345) and the Soviet Union during the Stalin era (192453) were the first examples of decentralized or popular totalitarianism, in which the state achieved overwhelming popular support for its leadership. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. Totalitarian Vs. Authoritarian Governments. State is run by a single party. In 1964, Juan Jos Linz, Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Political Science at Yale University, described the four most recognizable characteristics of authoritarian states as: Limited political freedom with strict government controls imposed on political institutions and groups like legislatures, political parties, and interest groups Under a totalitarian regime, all citizens are subject to the absolute authority of the state. An even darker description of living under totalitarianism comes from George Orwells classic dystopian novel 1984, when the main character Winston Smith is told by Thought Police interrogator OBrien, If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face for ever.. Though the overt racism of the Nazis initially put them at odds with Mussolini, who also had ambitions involving Austria, Germany's support of the Italian invasion of Ethiopia and intervention in the Spanish Civil War led the two countries toward friendly relations with each other. A fascist however need not be a totalitarian in that the leader may or may not be interested in curbing individual freedoms so long as they are not beyond the control of the nation. | Authoritarianism vs. Totalitarianism, Totalitarianism in 1984 by George Orwell | Overview, Quotes & Examples. democratic rights. of the users don't pass the Totalitarianism quiz! According to Russian history expert and author Richard Pipes, Fascist Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini once summarized the basis of totalitarianism as, Everything within the state, nothing outside the state, nothing against the state.. With the initial successes of the military campaigns of 1939-41, his plan was expanded into a vision of a hemispheric order that would embrace all of Europe, western Asia, and Africa and eventually the entire world. Have all your study materials in one place. Everything you need for your studies in one place. Between 1933 and 1945, dictator Adolf Hitler transformed Germany into a totalitarian state where nearly all aspects of life were controlled by the governmentthe Third Reich. Let's look at the definition and the differences. Under totalitarian rule, traditional social institutions and organizations are discouraged and suppressed. authoritarianism - a form of government in which a hardline ruler allows some individual freedoms while demanding strict loyalty to the state. Perhaps the most famous example of totalitarianism is Nazi Germany under the rule of Adolf Hitler. Joseph Stalin Totalitarianism is often distinguished from dictatorship, despotism, or tyranny by its supplanting of all political institutions with new ones and its sweeping away of all legal, social, and political traditions. In the case of Germany, Adolf Hitler took power as a dictator through emergency laws in 1933, and his Nazi party took inspiration from Mussolini's fascist ideology to create their fascist government. An error occurred trying to load this video. US Supreme Court Omissions? Hitler came to power in 1933 after being elected by the German people. Definition and Examples, What Is Civic Engagement? Italian dictator Benito Mussolini coined the term totalitario in the early 1920s to characterize the new fascist state of Italy, which he further described as all within the state, none outside the state, none against the state. By the beginning of World War II, totalitarian had become synonymous with absolute and oppressive single-party government. . Review the characteristics of totalitarianism in this - Brainly What did Hitler use as an excuse to take power from President Hindenburg? Qing Dynasty Overview & Fall | Qing, the Last Chinese Dynasty, Communism in China | History, Leaders & the CCP, What is Communism? Totalitarianism is a form of government in which the states power is unlimited and controls virtually all aspects of public and private life. During the peace that followed, the other fascist governments in Europe mainly fell under the influence of the Soviet Union. During the Holocaust between 1941 and 1945, Hitlers Einsatzgruppen mobile killing squads along with German armed forces murdered some six million Jews across Germany and German-occupied Europe. 110 quizzes. Economic Systems: Formal & Substantive Approaches, The Holocaust | Antisemitism & Genocide in Nazi Germany. However, their methods of doing so differ. A totalitarian state is also typically led by a single dictator who holds absolute power. Quiz, The French Revolution of 1848: History, Causes & Events Socialism And Capitalism In Harrison Bergeron, By Kurt Vonnegut 1237 Words | 5 Pages "Harrison Bergeron," written by Kurt Vonnegut at the time of the Cold War, is a short story that takes place in a future world of the year 2081 where the Handicapper General and the law force the beautiful to wear masks, the intelligent to wear earpieces that disrupt their thoughts, and the athletic to . Fascism is characterized by the imposition of dictatorial power, government control of industry and commerce, and the forcible suppression of opposition, often at the hands of the military or a secret police force. True or False:Hitler became President of Germany in 1932. Who was the target of the Anti-Semitic laws passed between 1933-1934? An economic downturn and unfulfilled promises to former soldiers further increased political instability. Ruling class propaganda artfully scripts unquestioned loyalty to the leader in the minds of the people, who are influenced to believe that the personal welfare of individuals is subordinate to the interests of the nation or predominant race. Create beautiful notes faster than ever before. As often attributed to totalitarian Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, Ideas are more powerful than guns. Be sure that you understand the definition of "concentration camp" and "gulag" before you begin writing the essay. Fascism was first seen in Italy during World War I, later spreading to Germany and other European countries during World War II. A good essay will also address the cultural, social, and religious aspects of totalitarianism in both nations, in addition to exploring the way punishment was used to solidify Hitler's and Stalin's power. Some Italians were unsatisfied that a large amount of territory promised to them by the Allies during negotiations to enter the war was not granted to them by the Paris Peace Conference. Boards of education must comply with the Constitution. Any dissent is branded evil, and internal political differences are not permitted. As seen in some east European and African countries, fascists often encourage ethnic cleansing across borders in the name of ideological and racial purity. The National Fascist Party of Italy (PNF - Partito Nazionale Fascista in Italian) was officially formed in 1921, and many fascists favored forcibly taking power from the government. What did Hitler want to be that he failed at as a young adult? Most totalitarian regimes are ruled by autocrats or dictators. Such is the case with totalitarianism, authoritarianism, and fascism. How Stalin's propaganda machine erased people from photographs, 1922 As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 88,000 lessons in math, autocracy. Copyright 2023, Columbia University Press. There are five characteristics given in the lesson, so be sure that the poster contains all five. Upload unlimited documents and save them online. However, only with modern technology have governments acquired the means to control society; therefore, totalitarianism is, historically, a recent phenomenon. Check all that apply. Authoritarian leaders exercise power arbitrarily and without regard to existing laws or constitutional limitations, and typically cannot be replaced by citizens through freely conducted elections. Definition and Examples, What Is Autocracy? This obsession spawns an ideology that explains everything in terms of the goal, rationalizing all obstacles that may arise and all forces that may contend with the state. Stop procrastinating with our study reminders. Fascism came about during political and economic instability conditions after World War I. Both forms of government discourage individual freedom of thought and action. In each case the persecuted were linked with some external enemy and blamed for the states troubles, and thereby public opinion was aroused against them and their fate at the hands of the military and police was condoned. Definition and Examples." Infoplease is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational and reference sites for parents, teachers and students. Occupations, Agreements & Appeasement: Causes of the Second World War, What is Autocracy? Definition and Examples. Totalitarianism. Totalitarian governments may however take other forms as in Communist countries. Fascists observed how rapid, mass military mobilizations during World War I blurred the lines between the roles of civilians and combatants. Discover its characteristics and its examples, including Nazi Germany and the Stalinist Soviet Union. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. . This lesson covers the following objectives: 14 chapters | Much of the territories across the Adriatic Sea that Italy expected to take from Austro-Hungary after the war were given to the newly created kingdom known as Yugoslavia. Please select which sections you would like to print: Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. personalistic What distinguishes a kleptocracy from other types of authoritarian states? Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Other modern examples of totalitarian states include the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler, the Peoples Republic of China under Mao Zedong, and North Korea under the Kim dynasty. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Notable examples of totalitarian states include Italy under Benito Mussolini (1922-43), the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin (1924-53), Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler (1933-45), the People's Republic of China under the influence of Mao Zedong (1949-76), and North Korea under the Kim dynasty (1948- ). Longley, Robert. Theoretically unburdened by the independent thought and effort required to succeed under a capitalistic system, individual citizens are free to concentrate solely on furthering the regimes ideological goals. His plan was unsuccessful as both the communists and fascists gained seats in the parliamentary election, and the fascists were placed closer to a position of legitimate power. "What Is Totalitarianism? Since gaining full independence in 1993, Eritrea has remained a totalitarian one-party dictatorship. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. Will you pass the quiz? Quiz, Independence Movements in Latin America: Examples & Impact Societal spheres like education, sports, health, and business are infiltrated by party loyalists through the establishment of closed unions. Through genocide and mass murder, Hitlers totalitarian regime strove to turn Germany into a racially pure military superpower. Despite the many differences among totalitarian states, they have several characteristics in common, of which the two most important are: the existence of an ideology that addresses all aspects of life and outlines means to attain the final goal, and a single mass party through which the people are mobilized to muster energy and support. censorship. schools temples hospitals palaces, Which statement best describes political revolutions in Eastern Europe? Participation in approved public organizations is at first encouraged and then required. The party leadership maintains monopoly control over the governmental system, which includes the police, military, communications, and economic and education systems. However, he illegally assumed more power than was granted under German law. 3 - Romanian fascist dictator Ion Antonescu (left) with Nazi foreign minister Joachim von Ribbentrop (right), in Munich June 1941. Therefore, an example of a thesis statement for an essay like this might go something like, "Photos of Hitler depict him as unquestionably authoritarian, while photos of Stalin portray him as inviting yet still in control. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. To some, the peace treaty humiliated the Italian state and a blemish on their national pride. Traditional social institutions and organizations are discouraged and suppressed, making people more willing to be merged into a single unified movement. In the 21st century, no openly-fascist governments exist, though political parties in many countries do exist with fascist nationalist influences. Since so much of totalitarianism is based on the personalities of the leaders, what can you infer about Hitler and Stalin by examining these photos? When they are said to be tyrannies, despotisms, or absolutisms, the basic general nature of such regimes is being denounced, for all these words have a strongly pejorative flavor. In totalitarian states, autocrats wield political power, such as dictators and absolute monarchs, who use all-encompassing campaigns of propaganda broadcast by state-controlled mass media to control the citizenry. Though ardently opposed to true democracy, which ensures the protection of natural rights and civil liberties, fascist regimes have occasionally come to power via democratic means. ruling using one person or political party. Every government action is explained in terms of realizing the goal. Lesley has taught American and World History at the university level for the past seven years. Who was the leader of Spain's fascist government? Currently ruled by Kim Jong-un, North Koreas government is considered one of the most repressive in the world by Human Rights Watch, maintaining power through brutality and intimidation. Again, because fascism believes that an all-powerful dictator is the best way to strengthen the state and have an effective government, fascist states are by nature totalitarian, though not all totalitarian states are fascist. The classic example of a totalitarian state in Nazi Germany. What is the major difference between totalitarianism and fascism. | Communism History & Examples. Definition and Examples, What Is Theocracy? His black shirts (paired with gray flannel trousers) took a page from Mussolini's playbook, and his macho style, mustache, and military salute were inspired by none other than Hitler. The government itself is riddled with the duplicity of roles and functions, creating a hopelessly complex bureaucracy creating a false impression of a non-existent separation of powersthe antithesis of totalitarian regimes. As pluralism and individualism diminish, most of the people embrace the totalitarian states ideology. During the years following the end of World War I, radical political movements swept across Europe following the fall of many of Europe's prominent monarchies and the political and economic instability brought on by the post-war years, even in the victorious countries. Stalin ruled as the absolute dictator of the Soviet Union throughout World War II and until his death in March 1953. They happened several years apart in different countries. Lerne mit deinen Freunden und bleibe auf dem richtigen Kurs mit deinen persnlichen Lernstatistiken. In the broadest sense, totalitarianism is characterized by strong central rule that attempts to control and direct all aspects of individual life through coercion and repression. Freedom is slavery. What was built in the center of the Aztec cities for religious and political ceremonies? Totalitarianism are hierarchies that are dominated by a single political party and usually one political leader and is a form of government in which the state monopolizes all the resources in an effort to control all areas of both private and public life. From 1955 to 1957, Maos Anti-Rightist Campaign resulted in the persecution of as many as 550,000 intellectuals and political dissidents. They were replaced by pro-communist governments, with democratic governments established in the west. How Totalitarian was Stalin - Medium The fascist movement, which came from totalitarian government states during the 1920s-40s, originated first in Italy and then influenced similar movements in other European nations, most infamously in the case of Nazi Germany. To learn more about totalitarianism, click here: C. forcing children to show support for a government, This site is using cookies under cookie policy . Economic conditions after the war, disputes regarding the Versailles Treaty and resentment for the harsh sanctions placed on German especially. Through largely passive techniques such as propaganda, authoritarian states work to win the blind, voluntary submission of their citizens. Tip: Be sure to explain how Hitler and Stalin are portraying themselves in these photos, and how such presentations might influence people's views of them. While fascism and totalitarianism are similarboth being forms of authoritarianismand often used interchangeably, there are some differences between the two. Totalitarianism is a form of government that prohibits opposing political parties and ideologies, while controlling all aspects of the public and private lives of the people. What is the myth called that states that Jewish people caused Germany to lose the war? This website helped me pass! Totalitarianism is typically distinguished from dictatorship, autocracy, or tyranny by its goals of replacing all existing political institutions with new ones and elimination of all legal, social, and political traditions. The remaining fascist governments of the Iberian peninsula gradually reformed and were gone by the end of the 1970s.