In the 20th century over 68 million people died at the hands of four dictators: Mao, Stalin, Mussolini and Hitler. A dictator has total economic and social control over a country and believes in extreme nationalism.
The chairman of China Mao Zedong was responsible for the death of 46 million people during his reign from 1943-1976. Most of these deaths took place in just four years between 1958-1962 when Mao pursued the Great Leap Forward. This was a process of transforming China’s economy from agrarian to industrialization, which resulted in the world’s most devastating famine in history.
(Mao Zedong)
Adolf Hitler was Fuhrer of Germany from 1934-1945 and desired to create an Aryan race. Hitler believed those of Aryan race (Caucasians) were superior to others. Hitler blamed the Jews for Germany’s loss in WWI so he pursued the final solution in 1941 which led to the persecution of Jews. In total Hitler was responsible for over 12 million deaths.
(Adolf Hitler)
(Joseph Stalin)
Benito Mussolini ruled Italy from 1922-1943 as the leader of the fascist party. Fascism is an extreme nationalist right-wing party who believe in autocratic government led by a dictator who should have the power to suppress opposition. He wanted to transform Italy back into the empire it was in Ancient Rome. Through expanding his sphere of fascism, he was responsible for the death of over 1 million people.
(Benito Mussolini)
So why was there a rise in dictatorship in the 20th century?
After WWI governments had greater control over economic and social affairs. People were fearful of another war so they put complete trust into their leaders. The countries that lost the war such as Germany and Italy were suffering economically and psychologically so they were desperate to be “saved”. They became more susceptible to brainwashing as they were starving and desired a better quality of life. So when a powerful politician such as Hitler brought the Germans hope they began to look forward to a more prosperous future.
Brainwashing was a technique used by all four dictators. The Cult of personality was a prominent tactic for dictators to paint themselves as God like figures. Mao’s little red book was an unofficial essential requirement for every citizen to carry, showing support for their leader. This book glorified Mao as it contained his speeches and quotes. Discipline and total obedience were drilled into school children as they recited quotes from the little red book. More than 1.2 billion portraits of Mao were produced. Theatres were only allowed to perform 8 shows which were designed to elevate Mao.
(Propaganda poster of Chairman Mao)
The rise of the media and use of photography enhanced the leader’s rule. They ensured they had complete control of newspapers so they could eradicate criticism of government or support for political oppositions. Mussolini was nicknamed superman as he ensured propaganda was produced showing he was all-wise and all-talented as he was pictured as an animal lover, sportsman and worker. Hitler used mass rallies and the salute as a display of unity, strength and belonging. Loudspeakers were put up in streets and bars. Small cheap radios were produced that only had Nazi stations to project their ideas throughout the public. By 1939 70% of Germans listened to this radio.
Dictators asserted terror to maintain power. Mussolini, Hitler and Stalin utilised secret police to drive out their opposition, transforming their countries into a one-party dictatorship. Mussolini dismissed his most able ministers in government replacing them with hopeless men, meaning the sole power lay with him. Stalin outlawed all opposing political parties and suppressed his enemies through the Great Purge. Over 700,000 “enemies” of the working class and people who posed a political threat were either imprisoned or murdered. He had his main competitor Leon Trotsky exiled then murdered.
(Stalin propaganda poster)
Hitler, Stalin and Mussolini led troublesome childhoods, which can partly explain their extreme personalities. Hitler had a violent Father and he later dropped out of school due to the death of his parents. Stalin’s Father was an alcoholic, he never completed school as his parents could not afford his education. Mussolini completed his education; however, he was known for being short-tempered and disobedient as he got expelled twice for stabbing a fellow student with a penknife.
It takes a certain character to wield immense power. Dictators are usually highly intelligent, self-confident, compassionless and have a boundless appetite for power. These narcissistic individuals often suffered extreme anxiety as they feared civil uprising and faced assassination attempts, which drove them to be even more ruthless with their power. All four men ruled without mercy and without observing human rights. After the great war the world was left feeling vulnerable which was the ideal opportunity for these four manipulative politicians to rise to power.
Would the world stand by if such a destructive dictatorship and mass genocide on such a scale were to happen again?
Videos showing the power and support the dictators wielded:
Hitler’s passionate speech to workers in Germany 1936: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ3N_2r6R-o
Mussolini showing his strength and power through public speaking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfS8AulsYRk
Crowds cheering for Stalin. People were afraid to be the first in the room to stop clapping for fear that the guards would see them and doubt their support for their leader: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwJbsIrtlg0
Crowds showing adoration for their leader Mao: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vk6m7cZDgiA
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