Totalitarianism and Dictatorships Complete control by one person

Definitions Totalitarianism – system of government in which all social, political, economic, intellectual, cultural and spiritual activities are under the control of the ruler of the state. Dictatorship – When one person has control of the government A dictatorship is not always a totalitarian government, for example Julius Caesar was a dictator but he did not have total control over people’s lives.

Totalitarian Government Governments are able to keep control by: Monopoly of mass communications – newspaper, TV, magazines, radio Secret police – terrorizes population thru concentration camps, predetermined trials, public confessions Monopoly of weapon manufacturing Control of the economy

Germany Hitler ran a totalitarian government Hitler appealed to a wide variety of people. He was an effective speaker and advocated German pride, hatred of France and Jews, and a national revival He claimed that only thru a dictatorship could Germany recover from the economic and social problems it was facing

Government under Hitler On January 30, 1933 Hitler was sworn in as Chancellor of Germany. He immediately began to consolidate his power He suspended civil liberties Enabling Act – gave him the power to make laws without legislative approval Banned all political parties Took control of the economy, the media, and cultural activities. Anti-Nazis were taken to concentration camps and killed Started a propaganda campaign

Cuba Fidel Castro was a revolutionary who fought to over throw a government that he felt was corrupt. In 1959, Castro overthrew the dictator, but did not become president until 1961. Shortly after becoming president he cancelled all elections and suspended the constitution. He ruled as a dictator until 1976 when he allowed limited participation in government Castro transformed Cuba into a Socialist nation

Cuba under Castro Castro made many changes to the countries social and economic systems. He instituted programs that increased literacy rates and provided health care to most Cubans. However these improvements came at a high price. The government seized private property and business holding, control of the media, militarization of the society, and politicized education. Those who opposed Castro were forced into exile. Castro allied himself with the Soviet Union. The US saw this a threat to security and stopped trading with Cuba.

Rule by the privileged few Oligarchy Rule by the privileged few

Definition Oligarchies are rule by the few Usually controlled by a few powerful families, who raise their children to take over power someday. Oligarchies were used in Ancient Greece. Aristotle began using the term in reference to rule by the rich (that is really a plutocracy) Some people believe that all governments are forms of Oligarchies. Why would they think that?

South Africa South Africa was an example of an Oligarchy based on race The English and the Afrikaans which made up only 20% of the population had access to all the education and trade opportunities In 1948 this became the official government policy called Apartheid.