notes 9 totalitarianism + dictatorships

Question 1

which ideologies reject individualism

Answer 1

fascism and communism

Question 2

origins of communism and fascism

Answer 2

originated in ww1, extreme conditions during and after –> greater acceptance of ad ability to use violence
offered “simplistic” response to “dangerous and destabilising changes”, embraced a perceived need for complete social transformation

Question 3

totalitarianism

Answer 3

attempt by gov to control all aspects of individual life
perceived “freedom”, but if you cross a line the gov will act against you “social control”, strict punishment
strong, central rule, often single-party gov
uses coercion to maintain power

Question 4

radical gov change after ww1

Answer 4

ussr
- creating a new system based on marxism that has never been done before
- economically left (communist)
- rejection of political and economic traditions of the past, trying to create an idealized future
- got rid of aristocracy
- killed the czar and exiled many people to create a classless society

Question 5

reactionary gov change after ww1

Answer 5

germany
- going back to ideals of the past
- move towards an idealized past
- acceptance of economic and social inequality
- social and economic darwinism / eugenics

Question 6

strategies of dictatorships

Answer 6

used to maintain control inside (also outside) their countries

• propaganda - telling people what to think
• coercive power - police, military, secret police, etc.; also threatened peoples jobs
• communications technology - control over radio, phone, tv, etc reinforces control

Question 7

traits of authoritarianism

Answer 7

• a leader with a “solution” to all the country’s problems
• extensive local, regional, national organisation, generally controlled by one party
• forced participation in groups like youth groups, unions, cultural groups, athletic groups
• forced to toe the party line - say and do exactly what gov wants
• secret police enforcing terror
• indoctrinated education
• censorship of media
• redirecting popular discontent (scapegoat), especially for gov actions
• corruption (ex. police stealing from citizens)

Question 8

societal popularity of totalitarian states

Answer 8

• generally popular with majority of citizens (didn’t know better, no outside influences)
• most citizens believe their lives are better under dictatorship
• totalitarian dictatorships require active cooperation and participation of many to actually accomplish goals