Totalitarianism

A Government of Total Control

Total, Centralized State Control Totalitarianism—government that dominates every aspect of life Totalitarian leader is often dynamic* and persuasive *pertaining to or characterized by energy or effective action; vigorously active or forceful; energetic: the dynamic president of the firm.

Police Terror Government uses police to spy on and intimidate people –“ Normally, the police are expected to respond to criminal activity and protect the citizens. In a totalitarian state, the police serve enforce the central government ’ s policies. ” (p. 874)

Indoctrination Government shapes people ’ s minds through slanted education –“ Control of education is absolutely essential to glorify the leader and his policies and to convince all citizens that their unconditional loyalty and support are required. ” (p. 874, 876) Government controls all education, from early grades to college. Children learn the virtues of the state. Teachers and students who challenge the state are punished.

Propaganda and Censorship Totalitarian states spread *propaganda. Government controls all mass media, and **crushes opposing views. *biased or incomplete information used to sway people **censorship

Religious or Ethnic Persecution Leaders brand religious, ethnic minorities “ enemies of the state. ”

Ideology sets goals of the state glorified aims of the state glorified govern Ideology sets goals of the state glorified aims of the state glorified govern Dynamic Leader unites people symbolizes government encourages popular support through force of will Dynamic Leader unites people symbolizes government encourages popular support through force of will Dictatorship & One-Party Rule exercises absolute authority dominates the government Dictatorship & One-Party Rule exercises absolute authority dominates the government State Control of Society business labor housing education State Control of Society business labor housing education Modern Technology mass communication to spread propaganda advance military weapons Modern Technology mass communication to spread propaganda advance military weapons Methods of Enforcement: police terror indoctrination censorship persecution Methods of Enforcement: police terror indoctrination censorship persecution State Control of Individuals demands loyalty denies basic liberties expects personal sacrifice for the good of the state State Control of Individuals demands loyalty denies basic liberties expects personal sacrifice for the good of the state TOTALITARIANISM

Fear of Totalitarianism George Orwell illustrated the horrors of a totalitarian government in his novel, The novel depicts a world in which personal freedom and privacy have vanished. It is a world made possible through modern technology. Even citizen ’ s homes have television cameras that constantly survey their behavior.

Totalitarian leaders in the 20 th century Adolf Hitler (Germany) Benito Mussolini (Italy) Joseph Stalin (Soviet Union) Kim Il Sung (North Korea) Saddam Hussein (Iraq)