Democracy vs. Authoritarianism: A Comparative Analysis of Political Systems in the 20th Century

1.1 Democracy in the United States

The United States was a democracy with a two-party political system.

Republican administrations governed the US as a result of the economic prosperity of the 1920s and due to the fear of Communism, which some believed could spread to the US and destroy capitalist society.

Democrats returned to power in 1933 after Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the New Deal: public works programs (to reduce unemployment), a basic social insurance system, and assistance for farmers and other people affected by the depression.

1.2 Authoritarianism and Totalitarianism

Authoritarian dictatorships came to power in many countries, in some cases establishing totalitarian regimes.

• Left-wing authoritarian regime: The USSR established a classless society.
• Right-wing authoritarian regime: Italy (1922) and Germany (1933) were extremely pro-nationalist and opposed to Communism and democracy.

Common Features of Authoritarian Regimes:

• Politics: Supreme leader and one political party. Propaganda was used to spread the party's message and glorify the leader. No free elections were held, and other political parties were prohibited.
• Economy: The state intervened in and controlled the economy. Trade unions were prohibited.
• Society: Limited rights and freedoms. Repression was used against people who opposed or criticized the regime. Political opponents were arrested, imprisoned, deported, or sent to prison camps.
• Foreign policy: Pursued expansionist foreign policies to gain new territory and access to raw materials.

2.1 Stalinism

Joseph Stalin, the leader of the USSR, established a totalitarian regime.

• Stalin controlled all branches of government, including the army.
• The economy was planned and controlled by the state through five-year plans, which aimed to achieve rapid industrialization and economic development. Private property was prohibited. Stalin's collectivization policy took lands from private owners and used them to establish state-controlled collective farms.
• The USSR was a classless, communist society in name only. In reality, enormous social differences existed between the ruling elite and the rest of the population. Millions of people died of starvation in the 1930s as a result of Stalin's policies.

2.1.1 Women and Stalinism

• Stalin restricted women's rights and freedoms, suppressing the progressive measures that had been adopted during the Russian Revolution.
• Women were pressured to get married, stay at home, and have children.
• Having large families was encouraged, and divorce was very difficult to obtain.