George Orwell1903-1950

WWIThe Spanish Civil WarThe Russian RevolutionNazi GermanyFascist ItalyWWII

Totalitarianism refers to any system of government that has complete and total control of all aspects of life: wealth, speech, labour, ownership, beliefs, loyalties, education, health, movement and so on.

Totalitarianism

Orwell witnessed totalitarianism in its various forms. His novels and essays reflect his fears for the world should totalitarianism spread.

Animal farm, published in 1945, is a “cautionary tale”; a warning to its readers.

George Orwell

The Russian Revolution

1917

Tsar Nicholas II Ruler of the Russian Empire 1894-1917

The happy rich; the miserable poor.

Karl Marx’s social and political model (Marxism) called for: State ownership of industry and land. Equal distribution of wealth to abolish

poverty and oppression.

From Marxism evolvedthe Communist politicalmodels around the world.

Karl MarxThe “Father of Communism”.

The Russian people’s movement to remove the Tsar, and form a communist state.

The 1917 Revolution

Leader of Russia’s ruling Communist Party 1922 to 1957.

Joseph Stalin

The Great Purges: Stalin imprisons or kills those who oppose his words or actions.

The ideals of Communism are eroded by poverty and misery.

The Gulags (“correctional labour camps”).

The ideals of Communism are eroded by poverty and misery.

The KGB or secret police.

The ideals of Communism are eroded by poverty and misery.

Pravda: the propaganda organisation that promoted Stalin’s policies and actions as being good for Russia and its people.

The ideals of Communism are eroded by poverty and misery.

Stalin’s legacy?