Totalitarianism a.k.a., The Rise of Dictators after World War I

A. The Lost Generation  The name given to the young people who came of age during World War I.  It referred not just to the dead, but also to the living who survived the war but were still lost.

A. The Lost Generation (cont.)  The living suffered from a loss of faith in many traditional things: 1) God. 2) Country. 3) Mankind.

A. The Lost Generation (cont.)  In Italy, Germany and Russia, several factors contributed to the rise of charismatic dictators: 1) Loss of faith. 2) Economic destruction. 3) Dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Versailles.

A. The Lost Generation (cont.)  Suffering, angry people were vulnerable to the promises and rants of those who wanted power.  Having lost faith in traditional institutions, they were hungry for something new to believe in.

1)One-party dictatorship  All other parties outlawed.  No competitive elections.  Hardship demands unity. B. Features of Totalitarianism

Nazi Party Germany Italy Soviet Union Fascist Party Communist Party

2) All-powerful leader  Head of the party has total power.  Worshipped in “cult of personality.”  Defying him comes at a high price. B. Features of Totalitarianism

Adolf HitlerBenito Mussolini Josef Stalin

B. Features of Totalitarianism 3)No individual rights  A luxury we can’t afford.  Causes disunity; stops progress.  Focus is on obedience & sacrifice for the good of the whole.

B. Features of Totalitarianism 4) Use of propaganda  Govt controls all media outlets.  “Big Lie” technique.  Akin to brainwashing.

B. Features of Totalitarianism 5) Use of violence  Opposition is swiftly silenced.  People are scared into submission.  Controls word of mouth.

B. Features of Totalitarianism 6) Promise of an ideal society  Utopia in exchange for sacrifice.  “Carrot & stick” approach.  Offers hope to suffering, vulnerable people.

World domination by the “master race.” Rebuild the Roman Empire. Create a “classless” society.

B. Features of Totalitarianism 7) Scapegoating  Provide angry people with a common enemy.  Quickest way to build unity.  Allows the many to put blame on the few.

“Inferior” races. (i.e., non- Germans) Communists.The propertied classes.