Although the term “totalitarianism” appeared only in the first quarter of the 20th century, it has Latin roots. It comes from the words "totalis" ("full", "whole", "all-encompassing") and "totalitas" - "fullness", "wholeness". What is the essence of totalitarianism?
Instructions
Step 1
The first practical application of the term "totalitarianism" was when it was used by the Italian-fascist dictator Mussolini to designate the political regime he created. Subsequently, many politicians, journalists, historians used this word to describe Nazism in Germany, as well as Stalin's regime in the USSR.
Step 2
The main feature of a totalitarian form of government is full coverage, control of all forms of life (both public and private) by the bearers of power - state or party bodies. To justify the right to such coverage and control, the ideology declared dominant is used. It is automatically implied that the entire population of a country should fully encourage this ideology.
Step 3
Totalitarian ideology sets as its goal the education of a new person, the creation of a new society. For this, it requires that the interests of the individual be completely subordinated to the interests of the collective, party, state. Human rights, as individuals, are either not recognized at all, or significantly limited. There is an unspoken principle: "Everything that is not allowed is prohibited."
Step 4
Political activity under totalitarianism is limited by the framework of one party or other social and political association, the program of which is declared to be the only correct one. The party is closely merging with government bodies. Often, party bodies put themselves above state bodies and begin to impose their will on them. Even if the leader of the ruling party does not formally hold high government posts, he is the de facto head of state.
Step 5
Freedom of speech, press, assembly under a totalitarian regime either does not exist at all, or is subject to severe restrictions. The armed forces, security agencies, and the police play a huge role. To preserve and strengthen the regime, the totalitarian regime periodically creates in society an atmosphere of psychosis, a besieged fortress, blames the failures on the intrigues of enemies - external and internal.
Step 6
History shows that the chances of the emergence of totalitarian regimes sharply increase in those societies that have gone through severe trials, shocks (painful social reforms, revolutions, wars, a sharp decline in living standards, impoverishment of the people). The greatest number of supporters of totalitarianism then arises among the so-called "marginal groups" of the population - people who have lost their social and social identity, who do not have a permanent source of income.
