Introduction

Relevance of the Theme

Totalitarian Regimes: Nazism, Fascism, Communism, Franquism, and Salazarism. These dictatorial political systems shaped the 20th century and continue to influence our world today. They are subjects of vital importance as they allow for a deeper understanding of crucial events, such as World War II, and the nature of the regimes that emerged from these conflicts. Understanding this diversity of totalitarian regimes also helps us reflect on current issues of freedom, human rights, and governance.

Contextualization

This theme is located in section 5.2 - Totalitarian Regimes of the 9th-grade History curriculum. It is essential as it provides a panoramic, yet detailed, view of different power structures in the 20th century. Each of these regimes is a case study in itself, demonstrating how leaders and ideologies can manipulate and control the population, and how these same citizens can resist or adapt to such systems. After studying these totalitarian regimes, the analysis of their impacts and consequences follows, preparing the student for more contemporary topics in the History discipline.

By learning about these Totalitarian Regimes, you will be ready to answer questions such as: How did Nazism arise? What were the characteristics of Italian fascism? What is communism and how was it implemented in practice? Why were Salazar and Franco able to stay in power for so long? These questions are undoubtedly crucial for the formation of your historical knowledge and understanding of the complexities of the world.

Theoretical Development

Components

• Nazism: Also known as National Socialism, it was a political ideology that gained strength in Germany after World War I. Led by Adolf Hitler, Nazism was characterized by its racist, anti-Semitic, and anti-communist fervor. It advocated for the supremacy of the Aryan race and the need for territorial expansion to provide Lebensraum for this race. It was responsible for the genocide of millions of people during the Holocaust.

• Fascism: Emerged in Italy after World War I, fascism, led by Benito Mussolini, emphasized nationalism, opposition to liberalism and communism, and the supremacy of the State. It was characterized by authoritarian regimes with press censorship, suppression of political opposition, and total control over education. Fascism also advocated for a corporatist type of economy, where production was controlled by unions, employers' organizations, and the State.

• Communism: Communism, also known as Marxism-Leninism, was a political ideology that emerged in Russia and spread to various parts of the world, including China. It was led by figures like Lenin, Stalin, and Mao Zedong. Communism advocates for social equality, with the abolition of private property and the implementation of a collective government system. In practice, however, it led to authoritarian regimes characterized by political repression, human rights violations, and centralized economic planning.

• Franquism: A dictatorial regime that ruled Spain under the leadership of Francisco Franco after the Spanish Civil War. Franquism was characterized by political repression, aligning with Falangism (a Spanish nationalist political ideology inspired by fascism) and Catholicism, and isolating Spain from most democratic nations during its tenure.

• Salazarism: Under the leadership of António de Oliveira Salazar, this totalitarian regime shaped the history and politics of Portugal for almost 40 years. Characterized by a corporatist State, Salazarism advocated for an autarkic economy and a strong State control over society. Although often labeled as fascist, Salazar's regime had distinct traits, such as not adhering to class struggle and promoting colonialism.

Key Terms

• Totalitarianism: A political system in which the State has total control over all aspects of citizens' lives. It is characterized by the restriction of individual freedoms, censorship, political repression, and human rights violations.

• Authoritarianism: A political system in which power is concentrated in the hands of a leader or a small group, with little or no popular participation. It differs from totalitarianism by the relative tolerance of social and economic activities outside State control.

• Ideology: A set of ideas, beliefs, and values that underpin a political theory or a system of government.

• Propaganda: A technique of manipulating information and opinions widely used in totalitarian regimes to shape public perception.

• Single-Party System: A political structure where only one party is authorized to exist and compete for political positions. Common in totalitarian regimes.

Examples and Cases

• Hitler's Rise in Germany: Through a combination of social turmoil, propaganda, and institutional weaknesses, Adolf Hitler, leader of the National Socialist German Workers' Party, managed to rise to power in 1933, initiating one of the most brutal totalitarian regimes in history.

• Fascism in Mussolini's Italy: Benito Mussolini founded the National Fascist Party and, in 1922, led the March on Rome, which brought him to power. Mussolini ruled Italy as a fascist dictator until his downfall in 1943.

• Communism in Soviet Russia: Lenin led the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, resulting in the creation of the Soviet Union and the world's first communist State. Under Stalin's rule, Russian communism became a totalitarian regime characterized by political repression and human rights violations.

• Franco and Franquism in Spain: After the military's victory in the Spanish Civil War, Francisco Franco became the dictator of Spain in 1939. Franquism was an authoritarian and nationalist regime that lasted until Franco's death in 1975.

• Salazarism in Portugal: Salazar came to power in Portugal in 1932 and implemented an authoritarian regime known as the New State. Salazar ruled with an iron fist until 1968, and his regime only ended with the Carnation Revolution in 1974.

Detailed Summary

Key Points

• Characteristics of Totalitarian Regimes: Each totalitarian regime had its own distinctive characteristics, but all shared some key features, such as total State control, suppression of individual freedoms, censorship, propaganda, political repression, and human rights violations.

• Nazism: The Nazi regime, led by Hitler, emphasized the supremacy of the Aryan race, territorial expansion, anti-Semitism, and anti-communism. Hitler was responsible for the Holocaust, resulting in the genocide of millions of Jews and other groups considered 'undesirable'.

• Fascism: The Italian fascist regime, led by Mussolini, emphasized nationalism, opposition to liberalism and communism, and State supremacy. Fascism was based on a corporatist economy, where production was controlled by unions, employers' organizations, and the State.

• Communism: Born in Russia and spread to China and other nations, communism advocated for social equality with the abolition of private property and the implementation of a collective government system. In practice, it led to authoritarian regimes with political repression, human rights violations, and centralized economy.

• Franquism: In Spain, Franquism emerged after the Civil War, characterized by strong political repression, adherence to Falangism and Catholicism, and isolation from most democratic nations.

• Salazarism: In Portugal, Salazarism was a totalitarian regime characterized by a corporatist State, an autarkic economy, and strong State control over society. Although often labeled as fascist, it had notable differences, such as not adhering to class struggle and promoting colonialism.

Conclusions

• Diversity of Totalitarian Regimes: Totalitarian regimes are not monolithic, and each of them has its own distinct characteristics. Although they share some structural similarities, the way ideologies were implemented and experienced by their rulers and populations differs significantly.

• Violence and Repression: All totalitarian regimes studied in this module were marked by violence, political repression, and blatant human rights violations. Understanding these dark aspects is essential to avoid the repetition of these tragedies in the future.

• Resistance and Consequences: Despite totalitarian domination, there was resistance and, eventually, the downfall of all these regimes. The consequences of these rigid political systems still resonate in our contemporary society.

Exercises

1. Compare and Contrast: Compare and contrast the regimes of Hitler, Mussolini, and Salazar, highlighting the main similarities and differences in their goals, ideologies, and implementation.

2. Impact and Legacy: Discuss the long-term impact and legacy of World War II regarding the totalitarian regimes studied.

3. Scenario Analysis: Imagine a hypothetical situation where a Totalitarian Regime similar to one studied in the classroom emerges in the current context. Describe how you believe the international community and the citizens of that country could react.