JWST 240 Chapter Notes - Chapter reading: Totalitarianism
Document Summary
20th century europe has been shaped decisively by decisions of the actions of hitler and stalin. The loss of life for which they are responsible is staggering. The goals and methods of totalitarian politics crippled societies where they were deployed and there was resentment as well. People subject to hitler"s rule were set against each other and encouraged to act on the basest instincts of mutual dislike. Public opinion all over europe after the fact recoiled in disgust at any form of engagement with the nazis. There were several million of them, or 2-3% of the population formerly under german occupation. Punishments ranged from lynchings during the last months of the war to postwar death sentencing, imprisonment or hard labour. There was also condemnation to national dishonour, the loss of civil rights and/or monetary fines as well as expulsions, police supervision, loss of the right to travel or live in desirable places.
