How did propaganda techniques evolve during the emergence of authoritarian states?

Propaganda techniques evolved during the emergence of authoritarian states by becoming more sophisticated, pervasive, and technologically advanced.

In the early 20th century, the rise of authoritarian states saw a significant evolution in the use of propaganda techniques. This was largely due to the advancements in technology and communication methods, which allowed for a wider and more effective dissemination of propaganda. The use of radio broadcasts, films, and later television, provided authoritarian regimes with powerful tools to manipulate public opinion and control information.

In Nazi Germany, for example, propaganda was used to create a cult of personality around Adolf Hitler, portraying him as a messianic figure who could restore Germany to its former glory. The Nazi propaganda machine, led by Joseph Goebbels, used sophisticated techniques such as emotional appeal, demonisation of enemies, and the use of symbols to manipulate the masses. They also made extensive use of new technologies, such as radio and film, to reach a wider audience.

Similarly, in the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, propaganda was used to create a cult of personality and to promote the ideals of communism. The state controlled all forms of media, and used it to disseminate propaganda that glorified the regime and vilified its enemies. The use of art, literature, and film was particularly effective in promoting the state's ideology.

In Italy under Benito Mussolini, propaganda was used to promote the ideals of fascism and to create a sense of national unity. The regime used a combination of traditional and modern propaganda techniques, including the use of mass rallies, radio broadcasts, and film.

In all these cases, propaganda was not just a tool for promoting the state's ideology, but also a means of controlling information and manipulating public opinion. The evolution of propaganda techniques during the emergence of authoritarian states was therefore marked by a greater sophistication in the methods used, and by the increasing use of technology to disseminate propaganda on a mass scale.