Aspects of Totalitarianism in 1984

A totalitarian government is a "modern autocratic government in which the state involves itself in all facets of society, including the daily life of its citizens" (Bartleby). One person or an elite few who share similar views are usually in charge of the state and impose their totalitarian views upon the citizens. Throughout history, we have been aware of the presence of totalitarian states such as: Nazi Germany under Hitler, the Soviet Union under Stalin, Fascist Italy under Mussolini, and the People's Republic of China under Zedong. Despite the differences amid totalitarian states, there are several characteristics that they have in common, the two most significant being one ideology that addresses all parts of life and one party led by a dictator. In addition, total subjection of an individual comes only due to science and technology. Mass communication in these states is monitored rigorously. A form of a secret police force keeps the populace in check and terrified to rebel. Arms ...