1984 in Context George Orwell wrote 1984 in 1949, but in order to understand why he wrote this novel, we must understand the era in which he was writing.

World War II 1939 – 1945 Axis vs. Allies Germany Great Britain Japan Soviet Union Italy * United States

Totalitarian Regimes 1939 – 1945 Axis vs. Allies Germany Great Britain -Hitler Japan Soviet Union -Stalin Italy * United States -Mussolini

Totalitarianism A political system where the state (controlled by a single person or ruling party) seeks to control all aspects of public and private life. Totalitarian regimes are often marked by: - abuse of powers - corruption - punishment without judicial process - propaganda intended to control citizens

How might your life be controlled living under a Totalitarian regime?

Adolf Hitler Rose to power in 1932 during economic depression. Eliminated political enemies, Jews, communists, supporters who lacked enthusiasm, disabled, gypsies, homosexuals, etc.

How does the leader of a civilized 20th century society conduct mass murder on the largest scale without losing the support of his nation?

Controlling Nazi Germany Send non-supporters to Concentration Camps Persuade public through propaganda films, posters, radio broadcasts, newspapers, etc. Control the media! Minister of Propaganda: Joseph Goebbels Blame others! Jews and Communists are the reason for all troubles in Germany. Hitler Youth (or Nazi Boy/Girl Scouts) created to control the minds of the future generations.

Long Live Germany!

It costs 60,000 Reich Marks a year to keep this man alive. People, this is your money!

1945: Allies win! The end of World War II marked the beginning of the Cold War. Why was it called the Cold War? Whom did it involve? Why did the sides oppose one another?

The Iron Curtain

Joseph Stalin

Stalin’s Reign Small part of the original Russian Revolution (1917), but claimed later to have been a central hero in the cause. Several “Five Year Plans” that outlined a successful economic future for Soviet Union. Alteration of past and present. Many “purges” in which thousands of enemies were killed. Forced confessions (mostly false) were followed by executions.

Red book is titled "5 year plan" while evil capitalist says: "Fantasy, nonsense, utopia" Below: factories fly banners: "Industrialization, Collectivization of Farms"

Be on guard!

Eric Blair aka George Orwell A self-described “Democratic Socialist” Favored democratic freedoms, but also economic socialism. Not a capitalist or communist. Adamant opposition to totalitarianism.

Eric Blair aka George Orwell Wrote Animal Farm in 1945. Presents idealistic start to Russian Revolution betrayed by corrupt leadership. Wrote 1984 in 1949 (35 years into the future) A warning, not a prediction. Died in 1950.