The degree of totalitarianism in a country is a very controversial topic between historians. Yet, in this essay it a personal opinion is given towards proving that Stalin was more totalitarian than Hitler. In order to start this persuasive essay, the time period of both regimes and context must be known. Firstly, Josef Stalin was a Georgian man, who ruled Russia Between 1929 and 1953 and made it a totalitarian state. He came to power after Lenin had died using many ways and opportunities such as the Lenin testament, disputes over NEP, and his cunning character and position. As compared to Adolf Hitler, who was also not born in the country he ruled (Germany) but was an Austrian. Hitler came to power due to reasons such as economic crisis, impressing the people by promising them things far different from pervious government, Versailles Treaty. Since the context of both regimes are now known, one must be first clear on the definition of a totalitarian before claiming which ruler was more totalitarian than the other. A totalitarian state is one that is centralized or in other words ruled by one party, it is also dictatorial and enforces complete subservience to the government. Therefore due to the evidence that is found, it is argued that: Stalin’s rule over Russia seemed more totalitarian than Hitler’s regime over Germany in regards to actions taken and goals set towards politics, society, and the economy.
Stalin’s political policies seemed to be more totalitarian than Hitler’s policies in respects to opposition, propaganda, religion and minorities. For example Stalin’s goals for opposition were to destroy anyone who seemed like a threat no matter who they were and no matter how small a threat they were using methods such as purging, torturing, and public trials. This is as opposed to Hitler whose aim was to try to homogenize the entirety of the people except for those who are Jewish,