Totalitarianism takes over EuropeTotalitarianism is when the govt totally controls society;

the government told you:--where to work--what factories should make--what to wear--what to think--how to act--who to like --who to hate

Punishment for violating the above rules was jail or death.

Why did European countries turn to totalitarianism?1) Economic problems during the Great Depression

a. when times are tough, people will turn to anyone who promises to make things better

2) Europe had No tradition of democracya. Italy, Germany and USSR were ruled by kings throughout much of historyb. attempts at democracy usually made life worse

Totalitarian DictatorsI: Joseph Stalin was theLeader of the Soviet Union

A. Used propaganda to inspire people about the glory of the communist state

1. convinced people that democracy and capitalism were out to destroy what the workers of the USSR had created2. cult of personality his picture, slogans and ideas were all over signs, newsreels and radio3. Red Brigade youth groups to teach kids about communism (and to snitch on parents)

B: When inspiration failed he made threats to convince people to follow his policies and had a secret police force to carry out those threats

Some common threats werea. Imprisonmentb. Be sent to the gulagc. Death

II: Benito Mussolini was the leader of ItalyA. Came to power b/c of people’s displeasure w/ their

democratic govt 1. Fascist Party focused on hatred of communism and

love of war 2. believed war would restore the pride of

Italy

III: Adolf Hitler was the leader of Germany A. Nazi party thrived during the Great Depression B. Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany C. Dissolves the German Parliament called the

Reichstrag D. controlled businesses, wages, prices, speech,

religion,press, art, movies, radio

Reasons people joined the Nazi party?I: Promised to restore the pride of Germany

A. retaking land lost after WWIB. rebuilding the militaryC. blaming the nations problems on Jews and communists

II: Promised to give people jobsIII: Promised businesses big profits and protection

from communismIV: Promised strong leadership