TOPIC 10: AUTHORITARIAN STATES, 20TH CENTURY (questions taken from past papers) Emergence of Authoritarian states - Conditions in which states emerged: econ factors; social division; impact of war; weakness of political systems Possible questions: - “The conditions in which authoritarian states emerged were mainly determined by economic factors.” Discuss with reference to two authoritarian states. - To what extent did economic factors contribute to the emergence of two authoritarian states, each from a different region? - Methods used to establish states: persuasion and coercion; the role of leaders; ideology; the use of force; propaganda Possible questions: - Examine the importance of ideology in the rise to power of two authoritarian party leaders - Examine the reasons for, and the extent of, support for Hitler up to the end of january 1933 - Evaluate the methods used by an authoritarian leader to establish his regime To what extent did weakness of opposition contribute to the rise of power of authoritarian leader - Compare and contrast the importance of propaganda to the emergence of two authoritarian states - Propaganda was the key factor in the emergence of authoritarian states.” Discuss with reference to two states, each from a different region Consolidation and maintenance of power Possible broad questions: -> Compare and contrast the methods used to maintain power in two authoritarian states, each from a different region. - Use of legal methods; use of force; charismatic leadership; dissemination of propaganda Possible questions: - To what extent did the use of legal methods contribute to the establishment of hitler’s rule from 1933? - “The use of force was the most important method used to maintain power in authoritarian states.” Discuss with reference to two authoritarian states - Compare and contrast the importance of the use of force on the emergence of two authoritarian states, each from a different region. Compare and contrast the use of force in the maintenance of power in two authoritarian states. - Nature, extent, and treatment of opposition Possible questions: - “The maintenance of power was dependent on the successful control of opposition” Discuss with references to two authoritarian leaders. - “Control of opposition was the most important method used to maintain power in authoritarian states.” Discuss with reference to two authoritarian states - Evaluate the effectiveness of methods used to control opposition in two authoritarian states, each chosen from a different region. - The impact of the success and/or failure of foreign policy on the maintenance of power Possible questions: - “Successful foreign policy was essential for the maintenance of power by authoritarian leaders.” With reference to one authoritarian leader, to what extent do you agree with this statement? - Examine the impact of the foreign policy of two authoritarian states on the maintenance of power in those states. - Evaluate the impact of foreign policy on the maintenance of power in two authoritarian states, each from a different region. Aims and Results of Policies - Aims and impact of domestic economical, political, cultural and social policies Possible questions: - With reference to two authoritarian states, to what extent did successful domestic policies help to combat internal opposition - Evaluate the social and economic policies of one authoritarian leader - Examine the impact of an authoritarian leader on education in his state - “Social and economic policies in authoritarian states did not always achieve their aims.” Discuss with reference to one authoritarian state. Evaluate the impact of domestic economic policies on the maintenance of power in two authoritarian states, each from a different region. - The impact of policies on women and minorities (ethnic, religious, sexuality etc) Possible questions: - “Authoritarian regimes encouraged women to work but did not give them equal status with men.” Discuss with reference to two authoritarian regimes.Compare and contrast the impact on women of the policies of two authoritarian states, each chosen from a different region. - Compare and contrast the impact of the policies of two authoritarian states on women - Authoritarian control and the extent to which it was achieved Possible questions: - With reference to two authoritarian leaders, each from a different region, evaluate how successfully they established totalitarian control - To what extent was authoritarian control achieved in two 20th century states? - “Authoritarian states had total control over the population” With reference to two states, to what extent do you agree with this statement? - “Full authoritarian control could not be achieved.” With reference to two states, to what extent do you agree with this statement? Command terms (in terms I understand) “To what extent”: Think Discuss and Analyze together →“How much is one opinion better than another opinion and why? Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.” Analyze: breakdown and bring out the most essential elements or structure Compare: Find the similarities between two (or more) items or situation, giving a balanced amount of word count to each Compare and Contrast: same as above, just add differences Contrast: same as above, but only the differences Discuss: give different arguments that go for or against the thesis. Conclusion and opinions should be stated clearly and have evidence to support them. Evaluate: Assess the pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses and make an overall judgment Examine: ???
