Allied to Atrocity: Stalin's Totalitarianism with Jackson van Uden

History Rage

In this thought-provoking episode, Jackson van Uden joins the History Rage podcast to dissect the nuances of totalitarian regimes, comparing the atrocities committed by Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin during the 20th century. The conversation delves into the nature of political terror, genocidal actions, and the dynamics that led to the rise of dictators.

Key Points:

1. Defining Totalitarian Regimes: Jackson explores the evolution from democracy to dictatorship, authoritarianism, and finally totalitarianism. He cites examples like Juan Peron in Argentina, showcasing the varying degrees of control and power.
2. Comparing Hitler and Stalin: The discussion revolves around the World War II era, drawing parallels between Nazi atrocities and Soviet actions. The episode highlights the Holocaust, Stalin's forced deportation of Crimean Tartars, and the genocidal actions against the kulaks.
3. Stalin's Micromanagement: A crucial distinction is made between Hitler's overseeing approach and Stalin's micromanagement style. The conversation dissects Stalin's direct involvement in political terror, deportation, and decision-making within his regime.
4. The Uncomfortable Alliances: Jackson examines how post-World War II alliances influenced the narrative around Stalin. The surprising portrayal of Stalin as "Uncle Joe" and positive remarks by Western leaders like Roosevelt and Churchill contribute to a skewed historical perspective.
5. Candidates for Totalitarianism: Beyond Hitler and Stalin, Mao's regime and post-revolution France are considered. Mao's Cultural Revolution and the estimates of 30 to 45 million deaths are discussed, emphasizing the different forms of political terror.
6. Jews in the Soviet Union vs. Nazi Germany: The episode highlights the contrasting fates of Jews in the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. While persecution existed in both, Jackson notes that Soviet actions were often tied to factors beyond religious identity.
7. Airbrushing History: The role of Western powers in airbrushing Stalin's actions from history is explored, questioning the academic bias during the post-World War II period and the social acceptability of communism compared to fascism.
8. Closing Message: Jackson emphasizes the prevalence of political terror in the 20th century and calls for renewed awareness in the 21st century. The commitment to "never again" is challenged, urging people to be mindful of global events and persecution.

Conclusion: This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of totalitarian regimes, shedding light on the complex factors that shaped 20th-century history. Jackson's insights into political terror, alliances, and the selective portrayal of historical figures offer a thought-provoking perspective on the challenges of interpreting the past.

For more in-depth discussions on history, follow Jackson on Twitter @historyWJackson and check out his book, available from Pen and Sword.

You can follow History Rage on Twitter @HistoryRage or Paul individually @PaulBavill and let us know what you wish people would just stop believing using the Hashtag #HistoryRage.

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