Hitler as a Totalitarian Dictator

Hitler as a Totalitarian Dictator

In order for me to begin answering the question whether or not Hitler

was a totalitarian dictator I must first identify the significance of

the key phrase ‘Totalitarian Dictator’ exactly what it means and what

factors of a totalitarian dictator were employed in Germany.

I believe a totalitarian dictator must attempt to control every aspect

of life for the people of the nation also dictate as a single party

and only one ruler, they should also have full control over aspects

such as the media and what gets into papers; on the television and on

the radio, the education system and the way the new generation is

taught, the states economy and social life. A totalitarian dictator

would also show very nationalistic views although the use of military

is used to hold order and obedience.

The encyclopaedia Britannica gives the definition:

“In the broadest sense, totalitarianism is characterized by strong

central rule that attempts to control and direct all aspects of

individual life through coercion and repression. The state achieves

popularity through a strong, charismatic leader.”

To answer the question, I must adopt the factors stated above and

compare them to the example of Hitler and Nazi Germany in order to

decide what extent Hitler was a totalitarian Dictator.

Some of the features of a totalitarian dictator Hitler has been

employing even before he had much power. These were the use of

violence and terror to influence and control people, and it was a main

weapon for Hitler against radicals and anyone who would speak out

about his ideas.

Hitler set up the SS and Gestapo to take care of t...

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censored from newspaper articles and radio shows to cinema screen

productions, Goebbles organisation of the propaganda was essential in

the manipulation of public opinion to be favourable towards the Nazi

Party. Rallies held be Goebbles and Hitler were attended by hundreds

upon hundreds of people and the SA would parade and it was Hitler’s

ability as a charismatic leader and Goebbles excellent ability to

organisation and distribute propaganda which was an essential factor

in the maintenance of Hitler’s total control over Germany.

All of this information leads us to believe that Hitler had total

dictatorship over Germany and he certainly set out to do so, and

although they were largely successful, there were elements of Nazi

rule that were far from totalitarian due to a lack of unity and

purpose within the party.