During The 1930s, Much Of The World Seemed To Give Up On ✓ Solved

During the 1930s, much of the world seemed to give up on

During the 1930s, much of the world seemed to give up on their hope for a democratic solution to their problems and instead turned to totalitarianism, both in Europe and in select regions. Address one of the following: USSR/Stalin or Japan/Tojo. Address the following questions for your selection: What effects did the history, politics, and economies of those areas play in their decisions to turn to totalitarianism? What role did the Great Depression in the United States play in their plight? Include in-text citation and APA format.

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During the 1930s, the world witnessed a significant political shift as various nations abandoned democratic ideals in favor of totalitarian regimes. This paper will examine the case of the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin. The historical, political, and economic contexts leading to this shift are crucial for understanding the emergence of totalitarianism during this turbulent decade.

Historical Context of the Soviet Union

The history of Russia played a pivotal role in the rise of totalitarianism. Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, which led to the establishment of a Bolshevik government, the country faced a civil war that lasted until 1922. This period of instability entrenched fears among the populace regarding national security and economic viability. Lenin's New Economic Policy (NEP), introduced in 1921, temporarily revived the economy but was seen as a compromise by the more radical factions within the Communist Party, particularly under Stalin's leadership (Walsh, 2015). The betrayal of the NEP led to Stalin's rise and his drastic measures to consolidate power.

Political Factors Leading to Totalitarianism

Stalin's political maneuvers resulted in a totalitarian regime that suppressed dissent and eliminated opposition. Following Lenin's death in 1924, a power struggle ensued, and Stalin emerged victorious, using political purges to eliminate rivals through fear and propaganda. His government implemented the Great Purge from 1936 to 1938, targeting perceived enemies of the state, including military leaders, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens (Smith, 2018). This environment of fear ensured that dissent was virtually nonexistent, allowing Stalin to enforce policies that aligned with his vision of rapid industrialization and collectivization.

Economic Conditions and the Great Depression

The Great Depression, which began in the United States in 1929, had far-reaching effects on economies across the globe, including the Soviet Union. While the USSR was somewhat insulated due to its central planning, the global economic downturn affected trade routes and international partnerships (Gurley, 2020). The economic hardships faced by capitalist countries provided a stark contrast to Stalin's promises of a strong and developed Soviet state. This disparity led many fewer to see totalitarianism as a viable alternative to the stability provided by democratic governments, which seemed unable to cope with economic strife.

The Soviet economy experienced compulsory collectivization in agriculture, a policy aimed at consolidating privately owned farms into collective farms to increase agricultural efficiency and production (Kotkin, 2016). However, this came at an enormous human cost, leading to widespread famine, particularly the Holodomor in Ukraine, which resulted in millions of deaths. Despite the suffering, the regime used propaganda to portray successes, emphasizing industrial growth to garner support for totalitarian rule (Burleigh, 2000).

The Role of Ideology

Marxism-Leninism, as interpreted by Stalin, also played a significant role in paving the way for totalitarianism. Stalin's ideology defined the state as a singular entity that prioritized the needs of the collective over individual freedoms. The use of state-controlled media served to stifle any criticism of government policies, creating a narrative that focused on the communist party's virtuous goals rather than the harsh realities of its methods (Fitzpatrick, 2009). This ideological framework was crucial in legitimizing Stalin's use of force and repression as necessary for the progress of society.

International Reactions and Comparisons

The shift towards totalitarianism was not unique to the Soviet Union; similar trends emerged in other nations facing crises. In Japan, for example, the military government under Tojo Hiroshi capitalized on nationalistic sentiments and economic woes to justify expansionist policies and militarism (Samuels, 2007). The Great Depression contributed to the rise of militaristic ideologies in Japan, as economic instability led to calls for aggression abroad to secure resources.

In summary, the totalitarian regimes in both the Soviet Union and Japan during the 1930s were direct responses to the historical, political, and economic challenges faced by their societies. The legacy of the previous political structures, exacerbated by the impacts of the Great Depression, illustrated how democracy could falter under pressure. Understanding this transition provides contemporary societies crucial insights into the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of maintaining democratic principles.

References

• Burleigh, M. (2000). The Third Reich: A New History. Pan Books.
• Fitzpatrick, S. (2009). Stalin's Peasants: Resistance and Survival in the Russian Village after Collectivization. Oxford University Press.
• Gurley, L. (2020). Global Economic Crisis: Causes, Consequences, and Responses. Routledge.
• Kotkin, S. (2016). Stalin: Waiting for Hitler, 1929-1941. Allen Lane.
• Samuels, R. J. (2007). Securing Japan: Tokyo’s Grand Strategy and the Future of East Asia. Cornell University Press.
• Smith, S. A. (2018). Russia in Revolution: An Empire in Crisis, 1890 to 1928. Oxford University Press.
• Walsh, J. (2015). The Last Days of the Romanovs: Tragedy at Ekaterinburg. The History Press.
• Conquest, R. (1986). The Harvest of Sorrow: Soviet Collectivization and the Terror-Famine. Pan Books.
• Hoffman, P. (2017). Stalin's War: A New History of World War II. New York: Basic Books.
• Tsukada, A. (2014). Japan's Army: The Extraordinary Story of a Military Ablaze. Tokyo: Shueisha.