1. Describe the changing attitude of Europeans toward Christianity in the post-World War I era and the reasons
for it. Describe how the fields of psychology, science, and philosophy fueled this postwar sense of uncertainty.
2. Explain how Joseph Stalin was able to acquire totalitarian power in the Soviet Union during the 1930s.
Describe Stalin's totalitarian rule, the methods he used to maintain power, and the results of his rule on
Russia.
1. After World War I, Europeans began to question the traditional values of Christianity, which had been a cornerstone of European culture for centuries. This shift in attitude was fueled by the fields of psychology, science, and philosophy, which provided new ways of understanding the world and challenged traditional religious beliefs. The war had also caused a great deal of suffering and death, leading many to question the existence of a benevolent God. The rise of secularism and the spread of scientific knowledge further eroded the authority of the Church. This shift in attitude was also driven by the emergence of new social movements, such as feminism and socialism, which sought to challenge traditional gender roles and social hierarchies.
2. Joseph Stalin was able to acquire totalitarian power in the Soviet Union during the 1930s by using a combination of terror, propaganda, and economic policies. He created a cult of personality around himself and used the secret police to eliminate any potential rivals. He also implemented a series of five-year plans to modernize the Soviet economy and collectivize agriculture. Stalin also used censorship and propaganda to control the media and suppress dissent. His rule resulted in the deaths of millions of people, the destruction of the economy, and the suppression of basic human rights.