Lenin, Stalin, Roaring Twenties, and Totalitarianism
Lenin’s Government (1921-1924)
Lenin held absolute power, with the Communist Party (CPSU) as the sole political entity. He established a new political system, the USSR, comprising Russian, European, and Asian republics. The New Economic Policy (NEP) blended communist and capitalist principles, facilitating the recovery of the Soviet economy.
Stalin’s Government (1927-1953)
Stalin implemented “Stalinism,” a political system characterized by violence to eliminate opponents. The state controlled the economy, with land collectively owned and farmed by kolkhozy or sovjose. Investments focused on metallurgical, chemical, and arms industries, with production planned through “Five-Year Plans.” The USSR emerged as a significant economic and military power.
The “Roaring Twenties” and the 1929 Crisis
The period between 1924 and 1929 was marked by prosperity in the USA and European countries. The USA became the world’s leading economic power, driven by:
- Industrial development
- Increased consumption
- Stock market investments
This prosperity led to higher living standards, including advancements in fashion, popular music, and entertainment.
The 1929 Crisis
The prosperity ended in 1929 when the USA experienced a severe economic crisis due to decreased production, stock accumulation, and falling prices. The Wall Street crash in October 1929 resulted in many companies going out of business.
The Great Depression (1929-1932)
The Great Depression was a global crisis affecting the USA and Europe. Its consequences included:
- Economic Impact: Agricultural and industrial production declined as demand decreased.
- Demographic Impact: Population growth slowed.
- Social Impact: Unemployment and inequality increased.
- Political Impact: Established democracies faced challenges, and new ideologies like communism, fascism, and nazism emerged.
Characteristics of Totalitarianism
- Authoritarian Political System: Power was concentrated in the state, led by a single leader (e.g., Mussolini, Hitler). Personal freedom and political pluralism were absent.
- Economic and Social Control: The state directed the economy, rejecting both capitalism and communism. Society was controlled through propaganda, media censorship, and education.
- Rejection of Equality: Members of the ruling party were considered superior to others, based on gender or race.
- Irrational Thinking: Fanaticism and blind obedience were promoted, using symbols, emblems, songs, and uniforms to unify followers.
- Ultra-Nationalism: The greatness of the nation was glorified, demanding new territories (lebensraum) for national survival.
- Militarism: A strong military and war were advocated as instruments of power, prestige, and progress.
Fascism
Fascism originated in Italy due to the post-World War I crisis. Benito Mussolini founded the “National Fascist Party” in 1921, utilizing the “Blackshirts,” a paramilitary group supported by landowners and the bourgeoisie. In 1922, Mussolini was appointed Prime Minister by Victor Emmanuel III.
Mussolini established a dictatorship, abolishing political parties, trade unions, and personal freedoms, controlling citizens’ daily lives through propaganda.
Nazism
Germany experienced discontent during the Weimar Republic due to unemployment and economic crisis. Nazism was created by Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (SA), supported by the middle class and big business. In 1932, Hitler became Chancellor, ending the republic and establishing the Third Reich.
A dictatorship was established, abolishing freedoms and democracy. The state controlled all aspects of life (economy, education, culture), and an antisemitic official policy was implemented.