What is the meaning of ‘totalitarianism’? Identify the main features of
totalitarianism with reference to the major developments in Italy / Germany/
Russia during the inter-war period.
The 20 years between 1919 and 1939 are usually known as the inter-war period. In the inter-war
period, there were the rise and consolidation of Fascism in Itlay, Nazism in Germany and
Communism in Soviet Russia. In these totalitarian countries, a one-party dictatorship tightened
the state control over the people. In addition, their expansionist foreign policies threatened the
peace of Europe in the inter-war years.
Although totalitarianism took different forms in different countries, some common features
could be found. These included One-party dictatorship which means a single political party
controlled the state. The ruling party enjoyed absolute political power and suppressed all
opposion using terrorist actions, secret police and persecution. Besides, under the totalitarian
government, all citizens had to be submissive to the state and absolutely obedient to the party
leader. Therefore, the interests of the individual were made subordinate to those of the state.
The ruling party also supervised economic production and controlled public opinion through
censorship, propaganda, education and youth organizations. At last, expansionist policies were
regarded as necessary for racial superiority or national greatness.
Based on the above definition, it is obvious that Fascist Italy, Nazist Germany and Soviet
Russia was a totalitarian state:
1)
One-party dictatorship --Explain how Mussolini, Hitler and Stain achieved one-party rule
by suppressing other parties and purges.
2)
Strict control over all aspects of people’s lives--Explain economic and social policies of
those countries.
3)
Militaristic and expansionist foreign policy--Explain the aggressive foreign policies of
each country.