Totalitarianism & the Rise of the Dictators (1920s–1930s)

Resource Description

Totalitarianism and the Rise of the Dictators (1920s–1930s)

Totalitarianism

A totalitarian ruler leads a government that maintains complete control over every part of public and private life of the citizens in that country. The economic problems that resulted from World War I and the Depression led people to question whether democratic government could improve their lives. Totalitarian governments appeared to provide a sense of security and offered a strong direction for the future.

Both Communism and Fascism used aspects of totalitarianism as part of their governments. In general, both used dictators, only allowed one political party, and denied many individual rights.

Police terror was used for control and to get rid of any opposition.

Controlling media sources (newspapers, television, radio etc.) with propaganda and limiting what was reported helped in uence what people thought. However, Fascism believed in an extreme form of nationalism and pride in the country, while Communism focused on the spread of their beliefs worldwide. Communism did not allow private property and eliminated social classes. Fascism believed that each class had a role to play in society and supported private property. During the 1920s and 1930s, four major totalitarian governments developed – one was Communist, the other three were Fascist.