Exploros | Totalitarianism and Its Influence in History

Totalitarianism and Its Influence in History

Students distinguish between limited and unlimited government, identifying the problems with unlimited government. Then they learn about totalitarianism and its approach to government. Next, they explore the form totalitarianism took in the twentieth century: communism and fascism. Finally, students explain how both communism and fascism are totalitarian in nature.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Overview

In this experience, students distinguish between limited and unlimited government, identifying the problems with unlimited government. Then they learn about totalitarianism and its approach to government. Next, they explore the form totalitarianism took in the twentieth century: communism and fascism. Finally, students explain how both communism and fascism are totalitarian in nature.

Objectives:

Identify the differences between limited and unlimited government, including the dangers of unlimited power.
Describe the communist and fascist approaches to government.
Explain the role of totalitarianism and its impact in the twentieth century.

Various forms of government have appeared throughout human history, but none have been as deadly as totalitarianism. In this experience you will learn what totalitarianism is and the shape and toll it took in the twentieth century.

Objectives:

Identify the differences between limited and unlimited government, including the dangers of unlimited power.
Describe the communist and fascist approaches to government.
Explain the role of totalitarianism and its impact in the twentieth century.

North Koreans Bow Before Statues of Their Leaders, Past and Present

Think about two very different forms of government: limited government and unlimited government. But wait! You may not fully grasp the difference yet. Begin by thinking about the words limited and unlimited. If, for example, you have a limited amount of screen time versus an unlimited amount of screen time, you know the difference, right?

Brainstorm what you think the differences are between limited government and unlimited government. In the chart, record a definition or features. They do not have to be in complete sentences.

Discuss student responses.

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