- Totalitarian states all had common features used to maintain control.
- It is usually done through fear, power and propaganda.
- Although authoritarian states were common at the time, totalitarian states were far more extreme.
Totalitarian States at the start of World War II
- Nazi Germany
- Fascist Italy
- The USSR
- The Republic of China
Features of Totalitarian States
Political Features
- There is a single political party allowed or the others have very little power.
- Controlling information sources and state media.
- Censorship.
- Changing the education system, used for indoctrination.
- Cult of personality, of the leader of the party/state.
- Replacement of government members with those loyal to the dictator.
- Ruling class has privileges.
- Propaganda.
- Abolishment of democracy.
- Cultural life is being dominated by ideology.
- Trade unions are banned.
- Populism.
- Militarism and hierarchy.
Punishments
- Cruel punishments for any type of opposition.
- Secret police.
- Labor and concentration camps.
- Organized violence.
- Large scale violence such as starting wars or conflicts to rile people up against a common enemy.
- Prevents freedom of civilians through restrictions.
- Stricter restrictions against minorities.
- No free speech.
- Banning dissent and criticism.
- Control through fear.
Beliefs
- Blaming of and persecution of minorities, political minorities or social groups meaning the state doesn't have to take responsibility for problems.
- Goal to build an empire or achieve past glory.
- Being aggressive and expanding territory.
- Dogmatic ideology.
- Said to be for the betterment of the people or country.
- Deity-like perception of the dictator, called cult of personality.