Hitler's Nazi Party And Stalin's Communist Party example essay topic

Immense Power During the 20th century, numerous political groups formed and took over different parts of Europe. For example, three main parties during this time were the Nazi Party, the Communist Party, and the Fascist Party. In reference to these parties, it was once stated: "Adolf Hitler's Nazi Party exemplified the true nature of the modern totalitarian regime, whereas Mussolini's Fascist Party was more or less a 20th century version of 'old school' conservative authoritarianism". After analyzing each type of rule, it was evident that, although these were difference parties, they still followed similar philosophical beliefs. Furthermore, these beliefs all revolved around a form of totalitarian rule, just on different levels. Thus, Hitler's Nazi Party and Stalin's Communist Party were examples of true totalitarianism while Mussolini's Fascist Party also was indeed totalitarian, just of a lesser breed.

Living from 1889 to 1945, Adolf Hitler was a powerful leader who was the head of the National Socialist German Workers' Party, also referred to as the Nazis. Hitler's ability to gain power, and his ability to persuade the masses, caused him to take control of Germany. Before this group gained power, Germany was suffering from the Great Depression, especially because of problems such as inflation and unemployment. Also, numerous conservatives were worried about a Communist takeover, because, by 1930, the Communists polled more than six million votes. However, the timing was perfect for Hitler, because he promised Germany that his party would resolve the economic crisis. After the Nazi Party gained control, it represented the totalitarian values.

This type of ideology focused on issues such as the nature of mankind, a mass party system, a system of terror, military control by the government, and alliances with big businesses. For instance, it was evident that the Nazi Party represented totalitarian values because Hitler had total domination over the government. This was made possible because of the Enabling Act that was passed on March 23, 1933. The Enabling Act allowed Hitler's cabinet to have dictatorial authority. Also, another reason the Nazi Party represented totalitarian values was because of their ability to consolidate power. For example, self-government in the German States was abolished in 1933, and The Reichsrat was also abolished in the same year.

Thus, the Nazi Party gained political power and control. The Nazi Party also gained control of the workers, after the independent labor unions were banned by them in May 1933. After this was abolished, most of the workers then joined a Nazi Party agency, called the German Labor Front. This move gave Hitler more power over the people and their actions. Furthermore, in 1934, the Nazi Party was the dominant group, and all of the other parties were deemed illegal. Also, the Nazis Party had a strong sense of anti-semitism, which exemplified their totalitarian values.

The Jewish people lost their rights as citizens, and thousands of Jewish people were killed. Because of the Nazi Party's ability to take control of the people, the government, and the daily life actions that took place, it was apparent that this party displayed totalitarian values. Furthermore, Stalin's rule of his Communist Party also exemplified totalitarian values. To begin, Stalin used this type of ideology to gain dictatorial control of the Communist Party in 1929. He was struggling against Trotsky for this control, and Stalin had to create an alliance with two other individuals. Trotsky was then forced to retire as commissar for war, because of the actions and threats from this alliance.

In 1926, Stalin then stopped this alliance, and he allied with the Right Bolsheviks. Stalin then took political actions that took Trotsky out of the picture, and thus enabled Stalin to have control of the Communist Party. This group then took totalitarian actions, such as creating a Five-Year Plan in 1928. This plan caused industrialization to speed up, which led to an acceleration in the coal and steel production, and the creation of a transportation system. This Five-Year Plan was a totalitarian action because it pulled the people together. Another totalitarian action taken by this party was the idea of Farm Collectivization.

This caused Communes to be created, which were consolidated small farms. Also, Stalin eliminated a group of thriving peasant farmers, who were called the kulaks. Stalin's collectivization of farms showed his agricultural control. Additionally, Stalin believed in purge trials, because he thought that his party was conspiring against him. Thus, Stalin had many officials, military officers, and individuals in his party executed. The purge trials also eliminated all rivals from gaining power.

Stalin was a very powerful ruler who strongly believed in displaying totalitarian values. Another important group was Mussolini's Fascist Party in Italy. This party was defined as militaristic, anti-Marxist, and very nationalistic. However, while Mussolini was not as ruthless as a leader, as compared to Hitler and Stalin, he could still be classified as following totalitarian values. He didn't kill as many individuals as other totalitarian rulers, but he still was able to maintain control. For example, he established the black shirts, which were a Fascist party militia.

This group attacked Communists, socialists, and other individuals who were thought of as enemies. With this group, Mussolini was able to achieve and consolidate power. This Party also maintained control and power through actions such as rigging elections. This method of gaining and keeping power exemplified their totalitarian values. Furthermore, Mussolini also kept a powerful rule through his strive to achieve economic domination. He took actions such as increasing productions, both agriculturally and industrially.

He also maintained strict control over the economy, while also emphasizing regimentation. Overall, Mussolini's rule of Fascism could be viewed as a form of anti-socialist totalitarianism. In conclusion, after researching Hitler's Nazi Party, Stalin's Communist Party, and Mussolini's Fascist Party, it was apparent that these three parties were very similar in rule. Each party strove for dictatorship control and also a consolidation of power. This type of ruling consists of totalitarian values.

However, each party demonstrated totalitarianism on a different level. True examples of totalitarianism were evident from the Nazi Party and the Communist Party. However, the Fascist Party also used a form of totalitarianism, but it was a weaker form of it. Overall, all three parties demonstrated an immense form of power, and they each significantly changed Europe.