Totalitarianism

Totalitarianism is a form of government in which all areas of life are brought under the governments control. It differs from traditional dictatorships as it requires the commitment and enthusiasm of the people, as opposed to just no opposition from everyone. Stalin achieve this through severe repression such as the Great Terror, or the Yezhovshchina period and the purges, as well as by creating a personality cult whereby Stalin was heralded a hero and a great leader of Russia, as well as imposing strict controls on art and cultural life.

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