Totalitarianism Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is totalitarianism?

An economic system

A system of checks and balances

Government that takes control (correct)

A type of democracy

What do totalitarianism leaders often utilize to create fear?

Secret police

What are the methods used by totalitarianism leaders?

Terror, indoctrination, propaganda, censorship, religious or ethnic persecution

What is police terror?

Police serve to enforce government policies Signup and view all the answers

Define indoctrination.

Instruction in the government's beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of propaganda and censorship in totalitarianism?

To sway people to accept certain beliefs or actions Signup and view all the answers

What groups are often scapegoated during religious or ethnic persecution?

Religious or ethnic groups Signup and view all the answers

What was Stalin's plan for the Soviet Union?

To transform it into a totalitarian state Signup and view all the answers

What characterized Stalin's police state?

Monitoring and brutal enforcement Signup and view all the answers

What was the Great Purge?

A campaign of terror against anyone threatening Stalin's power Signup and view all the answers

How did Stalin's government control information?

Through propaganda and censorship Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of education under Stalin?

To teach the virtues of the Communist Party Signup and view all the answers

What was the League of the Militant Goddess?

An officially sponsored group of atheists Signup and view all the answers

What is a command economy?

A system where the government makes all economic decisions Signup and view all the answers

What were the Five-Year Plans aimed at?

Development of the Soviet Union's economy Signup and view all the answers

What were collective farms?

Large government-owned farms created by seizing private farms Signup and view all the answers

Who were the kulaks?

Wealthy peasants opposed to collective farms Signup and view all the answers

What are state farms?

Farms operated like factories with wage-based workers Signup and view all the answers

What were some benefits of Stalin's rule?

Expanded roles for women and better education Signup and view all the answers

What were some costs of Stalin's rule?

Limited personal freedoms and shortages of consumer goods Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 regarding gender equality?

Declared men and women equal Signup and view all the answers

What changes occurred in women's roles during Stalin's rule?

Rising status and participation in the labor force Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Totalitarianism Overview

Totalitarianism involves a government that centralizes control over all aspects of public and private life.
Leaders appear to provide security and direction but often utilize secret police to suppress opposition and instill fear.

Methods of Control

Common methods used by totalitarian leaders include terror, indoctrination, propaganda, censorship, and religious or ethnic persecution.
Police serve to enforce government policies; their role includes spying on citizens and using brutal force.

Indoctrination and Education

Indoctrination shapes public perception through controlled education that glorifies the government.
Schools are used to instill the virtues of the Communist Party, with any opposing views leading to dismissal or arrest.

Propaganda and Censorship

The government employs propaganda to sway public beliefs, controlling all mass media under strict censorship.
Disseminating dissenting information is categorized as treason, leading to severe punishment.

Persecution of Minorities

Religious and ethnic groups often serve as scapegoats during crises, facing violence and terror targeted at their identity.

Stalin's Regime

Stalin aimed to establish a totalitarian state, creating the ideal Communist society in the Soviet Union.
The secret police used military vehicles to quash riots and monitored citizens extensively, resulting in the arrest and execution of millions.

The Great Purge

The Great Purge in 1937 targeted perceived threats to Stalin's power, resulting in 8 to 13 million deaths through execution or labor camps.

Economic Policies

Stalin initiated a command economy in 1928 where the government dictated all economic decisions.
The Five-Year Plans set high production goals for industrial output but led to shortages of consumer goods.

Agriculture and Resistance

Collective farms were created by merging privately owned farms, leading to widespread resistance among peasants, especially wealthy kulaks.
State farms operated like factories, paying workers wages, but faced challenges due to agricultural difficulties.

Women's roles expanded, contributing significantly to the workforce and achieving equality in many professions.
Educational opportunities improved, allowing people to gain technical skills; however, personal freedoms were curtailed, and consumer goods remained scarce.

Historical Context

The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 set a foundation for gender equality by declaring men and women equal in rights.
Despite advancements for women, the regime's oppressive elements continued to dominate public life.

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Description

Explore key concepts and terms related to totalitarianism through these flashcards. Learn about the definitions, characteristics, and leaders associated with totalitarian regimes. Perfect for students studying political science or history.