100 likes | 574 Views
The Rise of Totalitarianism (1920s-1930s). What is Totalitarianism?. Totalitarianism: a system of government in which a leader (dictator) has complete control over his country and the lives of his people Key Traits of Totalitarianism Dictator: strong leader with total power
E N D
What is Totalitarianism? • Totalitarianism: a system of government in which a leader (dictator) has complete control over his country and the lives of his people • Key Traits of Totalitarianism • Dictator: strong leader with total power • One party: ruling party is the only legal political party • Strict government control of all aspects of life • business, religion, the arts, education, etc. • use of propaganda, censorship, terror, and secret police to control people • Individuals have very few freedoms • No freedom of speech, religion, press, etc.
Totalitarian Leaders • Why did they come to power? • People wanted strong leaders to get them out of the Great Depression • Nationalism—they promised to make their countries big and powerful • What did they want? • Total control over country and people • Strong military and economy • More land—they were willing to go to war for it!
Two Types of Totalitarianism:Fascism vs. Communism • Fascism • Extreme nationalism – the nation is more important than the individual • Charismatic leader – big personality, good public speaker, inspires people • Different social classes – rich, middle class, poor • Anti-communism • Communism • No social classes or private property • Global communism - calls for all nations to be united under communism • Anti-religion • Both • Totalitarian dictatorship –required absolute obedience to leader • Anti-democracy • Extreme militarism – glorification of military
Fascist Aggression • Totalitarian nations began invading other nations in efforts to add to their empires - Japan invaded Manchuria (Region of China) - Germany invaded Austria and Czechoslovakia - Italy invaded Ethiopia and Albania • The League of Nations failed to stop them • Democratic nations such as Great Britain, France, and the United States were alarmed by these actions but did little to stop them