Aims and results of policies

Aims of Policies in Authoritarian States

Establishing control: One of the primary aims was to achieve absolute authority. This often involved dramatic political shifts such as abolishing the existing government or political parties, formulated in drastic measures like the Enabling Act of 1933 in Nazi Germany.
Suppressing opposition: This was necessary to maintain power in authoritarian states. Techniques such as censorship, large-scale propaganda, and the use of force and terror were used. An example was the USSR under Joseph Stalin using secret police and purges to silence opposition.
Nationalist Agenda: Rallying the population around nationalistic ideas was a typical strategy. It involved creating enemies (real or imagined) to unite against and champion the nation’s unique identity and superiority. Hitler’s policy of Aryan supremacy in Nazi Germany is a classic example.
Economic stability and growth: To maintain public support and legitimise their rule, many authoritarian leaders focused on economic development and social welfare improvement. For instance, Benito Mussolini embarked on ambitious public works projects to make Italy self-sufficient.

Results of Policies in Authoritarian States

Creation of Totalitarian Regimes: The policies succeeded in establishing complete control, often leading to the creation of totalitarian regimes, where the state had total control over all aspects of public and private life. For example, Stalin’s USSR and Hitler’s Nazi Germany.
Suppression of Individual Freedoms: The suppressive policies resulted in limited freedom of thought, speech, and action. There was extensive indoctrination and widespread fear among the populations, as seen in Stalin’s purges.
Massive Human Rights Abuses: The use of force and fear often resulted in widespread human rights abuses, including blatant disregard for the rule of law, mass incarcerations, and executions. One of the darkest examples was the concentration camps in Nazi Germany.
Success in Economic Rehabilitation: In some cases, the authoritarian rule successfully stimulated economic progress and improved infrastructure, leading to increased support from the populace. The notable example was Italy under Mussolini, achieving significant industrial growth and infrastructural improvement.

Although these are broad trends, keep in mind that individual authoritarian states might have had their unique nuances and variations. Understanding the specifics of each state and leader provides richer context and depth in your historical understanding.