Tools of Totalitarianism

Tools of Totalitarianism

8 Characteristics of Totalitarianism

1. Indoctrination

• to teach people to accept a set of beliefs (thoughts) without questioning

• People are "brainwashed" to believe the leader - no matter what

• People are taught to NOT think critically regarding the leader & his decisions.

2. Propaganda

• Using newspapers, magazines, radio, speeches & movies to give people a one-sided message.

• Biased messages given to the people

• Easier to control people if they believe the biased messages.

• Now includes the use of social media (twitter, facebook, etc,)

3. Censorship

• The removal of anything objectionable or critical of the ruling person or party

• Does not allow people to express their opinions in the media

• People do not see the whole truth/story & are easier to control

4. Terror

• Use of or threat of violence to produce fear so people obey the leader/state

• Violent actions/threats to create fear in people

• Leaders have dominance over the people so they are less likely to rebel

• Use of Secret Police

5. Charisma

• A quality about a leader that makes people eager to follow him

• A trait that can easily fool the public

• Leader is "likable" so more people follow him

6. One Party Rule

• Only one political party is allowed to exist. They have complete power.

• No opposition (They get rid of any opposition)

• Only one ideology to follow. People are not given a choice. There is no other side.

7. Economic Control

• State decides what will be made and sold

• People do not have free will in manufacturing/selling goods.

• People believe that state will for them

• Leader controls production which is good for constant prep for war.

8. Extreme Nationalism

• The belief held by a groups of people that their country is better than any other country.

• People are OVERLY proud of their country

• Pride in country = pride in leader which gives him more control.

Multiple Choice

Your teacher decides that they don't like your answer to a question so they erase it so others cannot see it.

• propaganda

• censorship

Multiple Choice

A 10 year old German boy is forced to join the Hitler Youth so he can learn the ways of the Nazi ideology

• Indoctrination

• Censorship

Multiple Choice

Posters are put up all around campus saying that the school's cafeteria uss rat meat for their chicken nuggets

• Extreme Nationalism

• Terror

• Propaganda

Multiple Choice

The campus security guard makes sure you know that they are watching you closely for any suspicious activity & will arrest you if you slip up

• Terror

• Censorship

• Propaganda

• Indoctrination

Multiple Choice

A group is rounded up & put into labor camps because another group believes they are superior to them.

• Terror

• Extreme Nationalism

• Propaganda

• Censorship

Multiple Choice

Other political parties & religious beliefs are outlawed and are no longer legal to practice.

• Indoctrination

• Censorship

• 1 party rule

• Charisma