Totalitarianism is best defined as participatory despotism; a tyranny exercised in the name of the people with an active participation (voluntary or coerced) of the people. Meyer believes totalitarianism develops most frequently because of perceived or real inequality, this was certainly the case in Russia, the Bolshevik revolution occurred because of the feudalism practiced by the tsar. Totalitarianism grew gradually in the soviet state from 1917 however, Stalinism proved a huge catalyst in the development of totalitarianism. What is important for one to remember is that the period of Stalinism was not one consistent period. The degree of state control of the individual varied not just over time but also due to the individual's status and geography.…
