What cultural policies did authoritarian states implement?

Authoritarian states implemented cultural policies such as censorship, propaganda, and state-controlled education to control and influence public opinion.

Authoritarian regimes often use cultural policies as tools to consolidate power and control over their citizens. One of the most common policies is censorship, which involves suppressing or prohibiting any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered politically unacceptable, obscene, or a threat to security. This is often done to prevent dissent and criticism against the regime. For example, in Nazi Germany, the Propaganda Ministry, led by Joseph Goebbels, controlled all forms of communication and used censorship to suppress or manipulate the truth.

Another key cultural policy is the use of propaganda. Propaganda is information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicise a particular political cause or point of view. This can be seen in the Soviet Union under Stalin, where propaganda was used to create a cult of personality around him. The state-controlled media portrayed him as a great leader and saviour of the people, and this image was reinforced through art, literature, and music.

State-controlled education is also a common cultural policy in authoritarian states. The education system is used to indoctrinate the youth with the regime's ideology and values. For instance, in Fascist Italy under Mussolini, the education system was reformed to instil fascist values in students. Textbooks were rewritten to glorify Italy's past and promote fascist ideals, and teachers were required to swear an oath of loyalty to the regime.

In addition, authoritarian states often promote a specific national or racial identity to foster unity and loyalty among their citizens. This can involve promoting a particular language, history, or culture, and marginalising or suppressing other identities. For example, during the Cultural Revolution in China, Mao Zedong sought to eliminate "old customs, old culture, old habits, and old ideas" and replace them with a new socialist culture.

In conclusion, cultural policies in authoritarian states are designed to control and influence public opinion, suppress dissent, and promote the regime's ideology and values. They are a key tool in the regime's arsenal for maintaining power and control.