Compare and contrast the internal policies of Mussolini...

Compare and contrast the internal policies of Mussolini and Stalin. Mussolini and Stalin were two of the most significant dictators of the 20th century. Both aimed to establish a totalitarian system but their different characters and circumstances in their respective countries resulted in two very different approaches in obtaining their goals. At the beginning of Mussolini s era, Mussolini was supported by the Liberals in parliament. With their help he introduced strict censorship and altered the methods of election so that in 1925-1926 he was able to assume dictatorial powers and dissolve all other political parties. Skilfully using his absolute control over the press, he gradually built up the legend of The Duce, a man who was†¦show more content†¦It was designed to industrialise the USSR in the shortest possible time and, in the process, to expedite the collectivisation of farms. The plan was ruthlessly applied and focused on heavy industries, in particular the development of iron and steel, machine-tools, electric power and transport. Stalin justified these measures when speaking in a statement made in 1931 by saying, We are 50-100 years behind the advanced countries. We must make good this distance in 10 years. Either we do it or we shall be crushed. (My essay Compare and contrast the economic policies of Len in and Stalin and evaluate their success) Finally, one has to discuss how Stalin and Mussolini influenced and changed the society of their country. Stalin s period was marked with fierce attacks against the Russian Orthodox Church, and all other religions. Churches were pillaged and priests killed. State education was fiercely anti-religious. Stalin s hate towards religion was based on Marx famous statement: Religion is the opium of the people. Further features of Stalinism include an emphasis on the family nuclear unit, and parents were encouraged, and forced to face up to their parental responsibilities. Another notable feature of the era was the total lack of regard and disrespect shown to the Russian intelligentsia, and many writers who did not conform to Stalinist ideologyShow MoreRelatedWas Hitler a Weak Dictator?4126 Words   |  17 PagesTim Mason, Hans Mommsen and Martin Broszat. Though structuralists do not deny the importance of Hitlers role, they tend to stress the fact that he exercised his power within certain structures that shaped, and in some ways placed limits upon, his policies. Some structuralists also argue that Hitler was indecisive, influenced by his cronies, and divorced from the day-to-day running of the Third Reich. Hans Mommsen even goes so far as to argue that Hitler was in some ways a ‘weak dictator. In orderRead MoreHistory HL Paper 3 Europe6131 Words   |  25 Pages16 marks] for structured analysis of the monarchy as cause and victim. [17+ marks] for balance, perception and perhaps different interpretations. –4– 2. M08/3/HISTX/HP3/ENG/TZ0/EU/M+ Assess the domestic policies of Napoleon I between 1799 and 1814. This question covers the domestic policies of Napoleon from First Consul to his defeat and exile in 1814, as many of his reforms were instituted before he became emperor. The main areas to assess are his legal codes, the Concordat with the Church, administrativeRead MorePaper Exam 2 History Ib9416 Words   |  38 Pagesindicate that the question is understood but not all implications considered. Knowledge is largely accurate. Critical commentary may be present. Events are generally placed in context and understanding of historical processes, such as comparison and contrast are present. There may be awareness of different approaches and interpretations but they are not based on relevant historical knowledge. There is a clear attempt at a structured approach. 13–15: Answers are clearly focused on the demands of the questionRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pagescolonies after 1870 as a predictable culmination of the long nineteenth century, which was ushered in by the industrial and political revolutions of the late 1700s. But at the same time, without serious attention to the processes and misguided policies that led to decades of agrarian and industrial depression from the late 1860s to the 1890s, as well as the social tensions and political rivalries that generated and were in turn fed by imperialist expansionism, one cannot begin to comprehend the