Totalitarianism: Causes, Features, and Historical Examples

Totalitarianism: Causes, Features, and Examples

Causes and Social Supports

Causes: The rise of totalitarianism was often emphasized by the existence of a weak democratic system, severe economic crises, social polarization between revolutionary groups, and the formation of ultra groups. Germany felt humiliated after World War I, and Italy felt it had received few rewards for its participation.

Social Support: Totalitarian regimes often found support among the middle class, big business, veterans, the unemployed, and other malcontent social sectors.

Totalitarian System Features

Authoritarian Political System

The state concentrates power and exercises it through a single leader (e.g., Hitler), demanding absolute obedience. There are no freedoms, no political pluralism, only a single party, and violent repression of opposition using political police or paramilitary forces.

State Control of Economy and Society

The state, often anti-communist and anti-capitalist, manages the economy and adopts an autarkic economic model. It controls society through propaganda, censorship of media, and manipulation of education.

Rejection of Social Equality

Totalitarian regimes defend social inequality. Party members are considered superior to those outside the party, the military to civilians, and men to women. Some regimes, like Hitler's, claimed the superiority of one race and sought to eliminate others, such as Jews and Roma (Gypsies).

Irrational Thinking

These regimes defend positions based on fanaticism or blind obedience, rejecting rationalist traditions.

Ultra-Nationalism

They exalt the greatness of their own nation, making territorial claims to achieve unity or expand their living space.

Militarism

They defend military strength and instruments of war as sources of power, prestige, and progress for the nation.

Italian Fascism and German Nazism

Fascism in Italy

Fascism arose in Italy under Mussolini. It originated from the paramilitary political organization formed in 1919, the camisas negras (Blackshirts). In 1922, the intervention of these groups against unions led Mussolini to claim power, organizing a march on Rome. Subsequently, Victor Emmanuel III tasked him with forming a new government. Upon coming to power, Mussolini became Il Duce and established a fascist dictatorship.

Nazism in Germany

Nazism arose in Germany after the formation of the Nazi Party in 1920, led by Hitler. In 1933, Hitler became Chancellor of Germany, ending the Weimar Republic and proclaiming the Third Reich. Hitler implemented a strict dictatorship, militarism, and an aggressive policy based on the rejection of the Treaty of Versailles, ultimately leading to the Second World War.