Dictators
Students can learn about the elements of a dictatorship through these lessons.
By Daniella Garran
Especially for students living in modern-day America, which is characterized by freedom and protected by the Constitution, it is difficult to understand life in an oppressive dictatorship. Students should learn about the limits on civil rights and freedoms, as well as the excessively harsh punishments often imposed on nonconformists.
Some of the dictators worth studying include Italy’s Benito Mussolini, Germany’s Adolf Hitler, Cuba’s Fidel Castro, China’s Mao Zedong, Spain’s Francisco Franco and Uganda’s Idi Amin among others. When studying these dictators, the condition of the nation prior to the dictator’s ascent to power must be considered in addition to that which characterized his reign and how he was removed from power (if relevant).
An excellent way to help students understand the public sentiment during these oppressive regimes is to explore the art and literature of the time. For example, students could view the work of the German Expressionists and the work of Marc Chagall. Also the art that was considered “degenerate” by Hitler and therefore destroyed would be of interest to students.
In a related activity, students can examine the portraits of these dictators and how they had themselves depicted in paintings, sculptures, monuments and the like. Compare and contrast how the individual was shown during his life, and after his death to see if any differences exist. Also, learn about the history of these portraits; for example, after the dictator was deposed, were portraits and statues destroyed, and, if so, by whom?
Students should also learn about government-sponsored media and media censorship. Have students look at a variety of magazines and newspapers and remove all articles and images that the government might find negative or controversial. Show students samples of Nazi-era newsreels and the Russian newspaper "Pravda" to help them understand the manipulation of the media by the government, especially in times of war.
Dictatorship Lessons and Activities:
This clever lesson allows students to be dictator for a day in an effort to introduce them to the practices of twentieth century European dictators. The student dictator segregates the rest of the class based on traits, such as eye color and on their behavior and willingness to obey directions.
Students are introduced to Hitler and Mussolini, two significant twentieth century European dictators. This lesson also emphasizes the motives for each dictator and the practices they employed to achieve their individual goals. Students also consider how these two gained and maintained power.
Napoleon was accepted by the people of France as their dictator twice. Students learn about the Three Estates and their reaction to Napoleon’s attempt to gain power for a third time after his exile from Elba. Students develop an understanding of the impact that Napoleon’s reign had on France’s future and its relationships with other nations.
In conjunction with the series "People’s Century," PBS has developed this lesson which has students examine the roles of Communist dictators Lenin and Stalin and their impact on the Soviet Union. Students also discuss how the years spent under the rule of these dictators ultimately affected Russia’s ability to participate in an international economy and to advance technologically.
This lesson allows students to analyze conversations between Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin. Inherent in this lesson is an exploration of Chinese-Soviet relations and the goals and objectives of these two nations.
The Discovery Channel has created this excellent lesson to supplement the viewing of "Fighting 20th Century Tyranny." Students examine the testimony of several people who were able to escape oppressive, dictatorial regimes in Cuba and Germany.