Stalin's Totalitarian Transformation: Rise to Power & Control in Soviet Union

1. Section-2 Totalitarianism CASE STUDY: Stalinist Russia After Lenin dies, Stalin seizes power and transforms the Soviet Union into a totalitarian state. How do you become a totalitarian dictator? 1. find a way to become the ruler. 2. find a way to keep and grow your control.

2. Section-2 Totalitarianism • Totalitarianism, CentralizedStateControl • Totalitarianism—government that dominates every aspect of life • Totalitarian leader often dynamic, persuasive Continued…

3. Section-2 Totalitarianism Make people loyal: While Lenin was in charge, Stalin had the responsibility of giving jobs to people. Continued…

4. Section-2 Totalitarianism • PoliceTerror • Government uses police to spy on people and intimidate people • Indoctrination • Government shapes people’s minds through slanted education Continued…

5. Propaganda and Censorship • Government controls all mass media, crushes opposing views • Religious or Ethnic Persecution • Leaders brand religious, ethnic minorities “enemies of the state”

6. Stalin Builds a Totalitarian State • Police State • Stalin’s police attack opponents • GreatPurge—terror campaign against Stalin’s perceived enemies • By the end of 1938, Stalin in complete control; 8–13 million dead Continued…

7. The purge removed: • three of five marshals (then equivalent to five-star generals) • 13 of 15 army commanders (three- and four-star generals) • eight of nine admirals • 50 of 57 army corps commanders • 154 out of 186 division commanders • 16 of 16 army commissars • 25 of 28 army corps commissars. Continued…

8. Stalin Builds a Totalitarian State • Russian Propaganda and Censorship • Government controls newspapers, radio, movies • Artists censored, controlled; work harnessed to glorify the Party Continued…

9. Stalin Builds a Totalitarian State {continued} • Education and Indoctrination • Government controls all education, from early grades to college • Children learn the virtues of the Communist Party • Teachers and students who challenge the Party are punished

10. Stalin Builds a Totalitarian State {continued} • Religious Persecution • Government attacks Russian Orthodox Church • Churches and synagogues destroyed; religious leaders killed • People lose all personal rights and freedoms • Caroline Taylor’s story of Dimitri

11. Stalin Seizes Control of the Economy • New Economic System • Command economy—government makes all economic decisions • An Industrial Revolution • Five-YearPlans—Stalin’s plans for developing the economy • Result: large growth in industrial power; shortage of consumer goods

12. Stalin Seizes Control of the Economy • An Agricultural Revolution • In 1928, government creates collectivefarms—large, owned by state • Peasants resist this change; 5–10 million die in crackdown • By 1938, agricultural production rising

13. Daily Life Under Stalin • Gains at Great Cost • People better educated, gain new skills • Limited personal freedoms; few consumer goods • Women Gain Rights • Communists say women are equal to men • Women forced to join labor force; state provides child care • Many women receive advanced educations, become professionals • Women suffer from demands of work, family

14. Total Control Achieved • Gains at Great Cost • People better educated, gain new skills • Limited personal freedoms; few consumer goods • Powerful Ruler • By mid-1930s, Stalin has transformed Soviet Union • -totalitarian regime; industrial, political power • Stalin controls all aspects of Soviet life: • -unopposed as dictator, Communist Party leader • -rules by terror instead of constitutional government • -demands conformity, obedience

15. Other notes on dictators: Paramilitary: Brown Shirts (Hitler) Black Shirts (Mussolini).