Totalitarianism in the 20th Century: Nazis and Soviets

Recorded HS

Join this careful study of modern totalitarianism. You will not only learn about the rise and fall of Hitler, Stalin, and Mussolini — you will analyze the question of whether or not similar totalitarian regimes could rise up today.

Total classes: 14

Prerequisite: None

Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade (NOTE: adjustments can be made to assignments in order to accommodate middle school students)

Suggested credit: One full semester European History or World History or Modern History

Description

Beginning in the early 1900s, the nations of Europe engaged in a furious struggle for hegemonic dominance of the continent. Germany and Russia emerged from the conflict of World War I as dramatically weakened and humiliated nations. This course treats each nation in roughly three parts: First, we trace the journey to totalitarianism, including the economic desperation which empowered radicals like Hitler, and the autocratic methods which Joseph Stalin used to gain power. Second, we examine the political, social and ideological nature of the regimes, identifying the hallmarks of totalitarianism, such as the cost in human lives. Third and finally, we examine what led to the demise of these regimes, and whether a similar regime could appear again in Western Civilization.

Outline

Introduction: Weeks 1-2

Week 1: Introduction and overview of syllabus and assignments
Week 2: Defining Totalitarianism- Its social, political and ideological hallmarks, and trans-imperialistic background

The Communist Revolution: Weeks 3-9

Week 3: The Historical Tsars
Week 4: The Great War, and Lenin’s ascent
Week 5: Communist Consolidation: Building the Soviet Union
Week 6: The “New Economic Policy,” and the emergence of Josef Stalin
Week 7: Stalin’s ruthless centralization of power
Week 8: Collectivization: the plight of the Kulaks
Week 9: Reaction in the West, and the Unhinging of Josef Stalin

Fascism: Weeks 10-13

Week 10: Fascism in Italy: Futurism, and Benito Mussolini
Week 11: The seeds of radicalism: Hitler, and Germany after WWI
Week 12: The conquest and pacification of Hitler’s Bloodlands
Week 13: The Shoah, SS, and autocratic failure.
Week 14: Conclusion: The memory of the 20th-century totalitarians

Materials and Homework

Course Materials: None required.

Homework: Writing is an integral part of demonstrating both the assimilation of knowledge and the articulation thereof. Therefore, students will be guided through the process of writing a short (3-5 page, double-spaced) review of a book of their choice relevant to the subject matter.

NOTE: Middle School students taking this course may instead write a 1-2 page book report. Also, students will have access to periodic, ungraded review quizzes based on classroom lectures and discussions.

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