Question

What was one of the most significant characteristics of totalitarianism in the Soviet Union?

Answer 1

The government monopolized heavy industry (central objective), banks, land and private property to strengthen the Soviet Union and transform it into a world power. This political system took all the powers: the executive, legislative and judicial. It was governed without respecting any kind of rules.

Answer 2

Stalin had totalitarian tendencies, ruling by terror. The greater sign were his policies, which centered on government control over every economical aspect, specially the farms, forcing collectivization that led to a widespread famine, killing millions.

Stalin also eliminated anyone who opposed him and even encouraged citizens to spy on one another, killing and sending millions to the Gulag system of forced labor camps.

Additionally, Stalin sought self-flattering and elevation by renaming cities, rewriting history books and ordering songs, books, poems, art, all in his honor. These situations are typical examples of totalitarianism.