“Propaganda was the key factor in the emergence of authoritarian states.” Discuss with reference to two states, each from a different region.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that propaganda was the key factor in the emergence of authoritarian states. The two states must be chosen from a different region. Candidates may discuss how propaganda was a tool to gain support or contrastingly that attacked either the existing regime or rival political groups. Hitler’s use of propaganda to gain support from the German population as well as to attack opposition parties such as the KPD is a viable example. Similarly, the Red Army’s use of propaganda to vilify their White opponents during the Russian Civil War may be used. Candidates may also discuss different types of propaganda including the use of visual, auditory or physical propaganda. The conduct of the PLA as compared to the KMT during the Chinese Civil War, 1945–1949, is one such example. Other relevant factors may be discussed; candidates may argue that conditions such as economic crises or methods such as widespread intimidation were the key factors in the emergence of authoritarian states. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

This was a very popular question, in which candidates were required to offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that propaganda was the key factor in the emergence of authoritarian states. Almost all responses demonstrated relevant knowledge and there was some focus on the use of propaganda during the emergence of the two chosen states, Nazi Germany and Maoist China being the most popular choices. For Nazi Germany, there was discussion of the Munich Putsch of 1923, Hitler's imprisonment, and the publication of Mein Kampf, although these events were not always linked effectively to the emergence of the state. Other factors such as the Great Depression; the "backstairs conspiracy"; and the use of force and intimidation by the Sturmabteilung (SA) were often indicated as being the "key" factors pertaining to the emergence of the state. For Maoist China, there was mention of the Long March as a source of propaganda as well as Mao's writings during the Yanan Period, but with both being eclipsed in importance by the Second Civil War, which was seen as a "key factor". In a few responses where the USSR was chosen as an example, candidates focused on the emergence of Stalin as a leader and much of the content was of little relevance to the emergence of the authoritarian state.