Totalitarianism is a form of government similar to tyranny and dictatorship, in which the government has total power which is not restricted by a constitution. The term totalitarian was created in 1925 by Giovanni Gentile, an Italian fascist philosopher. Nazi Germany(under Adolf Hitler) and the Soviet Union(under Joseph Stalin) both had totalitarian governments.
Elements of Totalitarianism
Elements of Totalitarianism
- Communication in general is a big aspect of totalitarianism because it is used to spread ideology and monitor citizens. Control over, and limitations of communication are also important to a strong totalitarian government because it limits the flow of information and shows control and power over the people.
- Another feature of totalitarianism is a single mass political party, which commonly has a single leader who holds all of the political power.
- Total control over weapons is not a feature strictly totalitarian(in fact many democracies control access to arms) but is still an important feature to a strong totalitarian regime.
- The establishment of a secret police force (the Gestapo) is an essential element to a totalitarian regime because they strike fear into the citizens and enforce the laws mercilessly.
- The last feature is a centrally controlled economy. A centrally controlled economy makes the people reliant on the state and it allows the government to possess further control over the people.