Test on Totalitarianism: Ideology, Power, and Society

Question 1: Totalitarian movements primarily use propaganda for their foreign policy or for branches of the movement abroad.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Totalitarian domination strives to restrict propaganda methods solely to its foreign policy or to the branches of the movement abroad for the purpose of supplying them with suitable material. The essential point is that the necessities for propaganda are always dictated by the outside world and that the movements themselves do not actually propagate but indoctrinate.

Question 2: Totalitarian movements strengthen individuals' capacity for discerning political judgment.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Totalitarian movements thrive on a 'lack of political judgment' and a 'lack of discerning judgment' in modern society. Fanaticized members' identification with the movement and total conformism destroy the very capacity for experience and argument, rather than strengthening individual judgment.

Question 3: What characteristic contributes to the persistence of totalitarian movements, even in the face of demonstrable failures or internal persecution?

A. The constant generation of chaos within society, which allows for temporary freedom from varying opinions.

B. The true selflessness and unwavering conviction of its adherents, even when victimized by the movement itself.

C. The leaders' ability to manipulate through masterful and lying propaganda, especially among ignorant and stupid masses.

D. The specific class articulateness and consciousness of common interest among the organized masses.

Explanation: The study materials highlight that a disturbing factor in the success and persistence of totalitarianism is the true selflessness of its adherents, who remain unshakeable in their conviction even when the movement devours its own children or when they themselves become victims of persecution, framing, or imprisonment. This conviction often overrides all actual experiences and immediate self-interest.

Question 4: According to the study materials, which of the following statements accurately describe the role of terror in totalitarian regimes?

A. Terror serves primarily as a psychological weapon to achieve specific aims, after which it is no longer necessary.

B. Terror is the very essence of totalitarian government and continues to be used even when its psychological goals are achieved.

C. Terror, unlike propaganda, is restricted to dealing with non-totalitarian elements outside the movement.

D. Terror, particularly in Nazism, was used to demonstrate the power of the regime and the risks of mere association with opposing groups.

Explanation: The study materials state: 'Terror continues to be used by totalitarian regimes even when its psychological aims are achieved: its real horror is that it reigns over a completely subdued population.' and 'terror, on the contrary, is the very essence of its form of government.' This refutes option 0. The text also explains that 'Terror as the counterpart of propaganda played a greater role in Nazism than in Communism... they attempted to prove to the population the dangers involved in mere membership... it made clear to the population at large that the power of the Nazis was greater than that of the authorities and that it was safer to be a member of a Nazi paramilitary organization than a loyal Republican.' This supports option 3. Option 2 is incorrect because the text indicates propaganda deals with the non-totalitarian world, while terror is internal and fundamental to the government's existence.

Question 5: During the last war, the Nazis regarded the Russians as their peers more readily than any other nation.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state: "During the last war, the Nazis more readily recognized the Russians as their peers than any other nation."