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

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

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

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)

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)

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

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

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

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

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