Compare and Contrast Totalitarianism and Democracy by Shreya Bhatia - Prezi autocracy. Quiz & Worksheet - Characteristics of Totalitarianism, A government that holds total control over the citizens of its nation, A government that allows basic freedoms to its citizens, A government that allowed private ownership of business, A government that allows citizens to play a role in the development of laws, Totalitarianism: Definition, Characteristics & Examples, Western Civilization II Syllabus Resource & Lesson Plans Course Practice, Liberalism, Radicalism, and Republicanism in the 1800s The term totalitario was used by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in the early 1920s to describe the new fascist state of Italy, which he further described as all within the state, none outside the state, none against the state. By the beginning of World War II, totalitarian had become synonymous with absolute and oppressive single-party government. Definition and Examples, What Is Theocracy? This is, however, a mistake. US Supreme Court Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. During the ensuing Great Terror in 1937 and 1938, millions of innocent Soviet citizens were either arrested and executed or sent to labor camps. The General Characteristics of Totalitarian Dictatorship An authoritarian state is characterized by a strong central government that allows people a limited degree of political freedom. https://www.britannica.com/question/What-are-examples-of-totalitarian-rule. Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini coined the term totalitarianism. Which of these was not part of the Treaty of Versailles? What factors led to a rise of fascism and totalitarianism in Europe? This website helped me pass! Most historians consider the first truly totalitarian regimes to have been formed during the chaotic aftermath of World War I when the rapid modernization of weapons and communications enabled totalitarian movements to exert their control. Totalitarian governments typically pursue a special goal, such as industrialization or imperialism, intended to mobilize the population in its favor. Economic conditions after the war, disputes regarding the Versailles Treaty and resentment for the harsh sanctions placed on German especially. Though he continued to appoint officials outside his party for a time, following several assassination attempts in 1926, he banned all other political parties, making Italy a one-party totalitarian fascist state. General Iroh/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain. She has a Master's degree in History. The Fourteenth Amendment, as now applied to the States, protects the citizen against the State itself and all of its creaturesBoards of Education not Despite the many differences among totalitarian states, they have several characteristics in common, of which the two most important are: the existence of an ideology that addresses all aspects of life and outlines means to attain the final goal, and a single mass party through which the people are mobilized to muster energy and support. It is characterized by strong central rule that attempts to control and direct all aspects of individual life through coercion and repression. Notable examples of totalitarian states include Italy under Benito Mussolini (192243), the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin (192453), Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler (193345), the Peoples Republic of China under the influence of Mao Zedong (194976), and North Korea under the Kim dynasty (1948 ). A totalitarian state is typically led by a single dictator who holds absolute power. Definition and Examples, The Differences Between Communism and Socialism, What Is Civil Service? This allows a totalitarian state the widest latitude of action of any form of government. Everything you need for your studies in one place. Characteristics of Totalitarianism Cult of Personality When nations experience major turmoil or stress, people often look for structure, direction, and security. Use these assessment tools to evaluate your knowledge of: You can learn additional details about totalitarianism with the associated lesson called, Totalitarianism: Definition, Characteristics & Examples. Examples of centralized rule dating further back in history that can be described as totalitarian include the Mauryan dynasty of India (c. 321c.