1. All hail premier lam
Also, the six characteristics of totalitarianism, and how Stalin took power

2. Definition of totalitarianism
A system of government where the state has complete power over all aspects of a person’s life
Examples:
Nazi Germany under Hitler
Soviet Union under Stalin
Italy under Mussolini

3. 1. Dynamic leader Unites the people
Encourages people to devote themselves to the state
Dominates the face of the government
Charismatic – attracts people’s respect

4. 2. Organized violence State uses force to crush all opposition
Targets certain segments of the population
Ethnic minorities
Political opponents
Intellectuals (i.e., the people who might challenge the regime)

5. 3. ideology Ideology = system of fixed beliefs
Justifies government actions
Glorifies the state
Citizens are taught to uncritically accept the ideology
In your notes: What do you think was Stalin’s ideology?
Communism – state ownership of the means of production
Criticized opponents as ‘enemies of the proletariat’ (working class)

6. 4. State control The state controls all parts of life
Business, labor, the economy
Family life
Youth groups
Religion
Education and the arts

7. 5. State over the individual
The 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

8. 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

9. Vladimir lenin Bolshevik revolutionary Leader of Russia, 1917- 1922
Leader of USSR,
Died 1924
Pragmatic leader – focused on restoring economy before establishing communism

10. Joseph stalin Considered unrefined and rude
Became 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