How did the use of force differ among emerging authoritarian states?

The use of force among emerging authoritarian states varied in terms of intensity, methods, and targets.

In the early 20th century, several authoritarian states emerged, each with its unique approach to the use of force. In Italy, Benito Mussolini's Fascist regime used force to suppress political opposition and maintain control. The Fascist Blackshirts, paramilitary groups loyal to Mussolini, were notorious for their violent tactics, including intimidation, beatings, and murder. However, the use of force was not as widespread or systematic as in other authoritarian states. The regime relied more on propaganda and manipulation of the political system to maintain power.

In contrast, the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin used force extensively and systematically. The Great Purge of the 1930s saw millions of people arrested, exiled, or executed on charges of being "enemies of the people". The use of force was not limited to political opponents; it extended to ordinary citizens, including peasants during the forced collectivisation of agriculture. The state also used force to control and manipulate every aspect of life, from education and culture to the economy and religion.

In Germany, Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime combined elements of both the Italian and Soviet models. The use of force was both widespread and systematic, targeting not only political opponents but also specific racial and social groups. The SS and Gestapo, the regime's secret police, were instrumental in enforcing Nazi policies, including the Holocaust, which resulted in the genocide of six million Jews. The regime also used force to control and manipulate society, including through the Hitler Youth and the indoctrination of children.

In Spain, Francisco Franco's regime used force primarily against political opponents, both during and after the Spanish Civil War. The regime carried out mass executions and established concentration camps for political prisoners. However, the use of force was not as systematic or pervasive as in the Soviet Union or Nazi Germany. The regime relied more on traditional institutions, such as the Catholic Church and the military, to maintain control.

In conclusion, the use of force among emerging authoritarian states varied significantly, reflecting different ideological, political, and social contexts.