The Rise of Totalitarianism 1914-Present Lesson 3

Main Ideas: WWI signaled the end of the imperial monarchies & a rise of democratic statesWWI signaled the end of the imperial monarchies & a rise of democratic states The chaos following WWI compelled some societies to return to “absolutist” ruleThe chaos following WWI compelled some societies to return to “absolutist” rule Totalitarianism was a key factor in the onset of World War IITotalitarianism was a key factor in the onset of World War II

Totalitarianism Rule by absolute & centralized political authorityRule by absolute & centralized political authority – cultural norms clearly defined— opposition severely suppressed – authority structure defined by competition & confusion Isn’t this monarchy?Isn’t this monarchy? – rulers not kings, but dictators – some recognition of supremacy of law

Typical Features One-party political systemsOne-party political systems State-controlled pressState-controlled press Extreme security concernsExtreme security concerns – secret police – large militaries Massive propaganda campaignsMassive propaganda campaigns – curry public support – espouse nationalist sentiment

The Cult of Personality Method of solidifying total rule by idolizing the persona of the dictatorMethod of solidifying total rule by idolizing the persona of the dictator Examples:Examples: – Stalin – Hitler Youth & the SS – Songs, poems, art— glorify the leader

Why After WWI? Massive economic depression & its effectsMassive economic depression & its effects Communism in RussiaCommunism in Russia A desire to feel good, proud, worthy (esp. GER, ITA, JPN)A desire to feel good, proud, worthy (esp. GER, ITA, JPN) FEAR!: “Desperate times…”FEAR!: “Desperate times…” – EX: Hitler promised Germany 3 things only— “you’ll be fed, you’ll be employed, & you’ll again be proud to be German”

Fascism Political ideology that glorifies state over individualPolitical ideology that glorifies state over individual – intensely nationalist (often very belligerent) – dictatorial tendencies – applications vary according to dictator & its people Italy under MussoliniItaly under Mussolini – rises to power by exploiting fear – Il Duce & the Black Shirts – Syndicalism & economic recovery – “A 20 th Century Rome…” – Problems

A Variation: Nazism How does Nazism differ?How does Nazism differ? – Redefining of “what it means to be German” cultural and racial cultural and racial – Promotion of active national expansion (Third Reich) – Intense ideological racism Jews, Gypsies, Slavs, Handicapped, Homosexuals Jews, Gypsies, Slavs, Handicapped, Homosexuals

Stalinism Soviet communist society already dictatorial—so what is special?Soviet communist society already dictatorial—so what is special? – individual vs. “the Party” – inability of other authorities to gain any power Purges Purges Stalin = textbook totalitarian!Stalin = textbook totalitarian!

Japanese Militarism Least “totalitarian”—no true dictatorLeast “totalitarian”—no true dictator Fascist policies pushed by military via EmperorFascist policies pushed by military via Emperor – massive military build-up – promotion of imperialist policies (part need, part want) – “Asia for the Asians!”

Is This Just a Function of WWI? Absolutely not!!— however…Absolutely not!!— however… – common in post-war communist regimes (E. Europe, China, Cuba, Cambodia, Angola) – very common in Developing World (remember factors that cause it)—Africa, Latin Amer., Iraq, Indonesia, Philippines