Reference no: EM133792959
Assignment:
What is Totalitarianism? The destruction caused by World War I, and the harsh punishment written into the Treaty of Versailles, left some nations weak, depressed, and desperate for new leadership. The circumstances were perfect for fascist, totalitarian leaders to rise and take control of weak governments. Totalitarianism is the term used to describe a government or leader that has TOTAL control over every aspect of public and private life.
In Russia, the overthrow of Czar Nicholas II resulted in a struggle for control of the government which ultimately resulted in Vladimir Lenin and the Bolshevik Party (Communist Party) seizing control in 1917. After Lenin's death, the control of the Soviet Union passed on to the ruthless Joseph Stalin.
During the 1920s and 1930s, other totalitarian governments were established in Italy, led by Benito Mussolini, and Germany, led by Adolf Hitler. These governments had a number of similarities, including: the use of terror and murder to enforce their will, the removal of individual rights, and the use of censorship and propaganda in the press and other media to control their people.
Essential Question: How do "bad" or evil leaders take control of their country and gain the support of their people? (You may write, draw, or create a mind map to answer the question.)