Totalitarianism ALSO KNOWN AS GOVERNMENT BY DICTATORSHIP Totalitarianism

Totalitarianism ALSO KNOWN AS GOVERNMENT BY DICTATORSHIP

Totalitarianism Defined: A dictator comes to power through a military take over. He (or she) remains in power through the threat of violence. He has total power over the country, hence the name.

Distribution of Power (Wealth)

Key Figures Adolf Hitler is a prime example of a dictator. Joseph Stalin, under the pretense of communism, became a ruthless dictator.

Historical Examples Many countries have fallen under the rule of a dictator. Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia, Iraq, and many small countries in Africa and South America fit this description.

If our class were a totalitarian regime: A student would take over the class in a violent uprising. With Ms. Daniell now dead, the student would declare him/herself supreme leader. The class would do whatever they were told to avoid the leader’s violence. Don’t get any big ideas. (I’m looking at you, Taylor).

Pros and Cons Pros Cons Extremely efficient. Requires violence to If the leader is wise begin. Requires the constant threat of violence to maintain. If the leader is foolish or malevolent, the country would suffer. and kind, the country would likely be prosperous and happy.

Decisions are made rather easily in a totalitarian regime—the dictator declares how things will be and people follow. A dictator may choose to appoint other leaders, but they would all report to him/her.

Is our country a dictatorship? No. There is the possibility that a president, governor or even a mayor could declare martial law during a time of crisis. This would essentially give that leader totalitarian powers.