Question

What methods did Stalin use to create a totalitarian state?

Answer 1

He used massive executions, deportations to intimidate people as well as propaganda and censure.

Explanation:

Totalitarianism implies for the individual to be nothing and for the state to have limitless powers. Masive repression was required to maintain such an oppression. The system of deportation to Gulags was one of the main means to achieve that goal.

Around 20 million people were deported to such camps and around 1 million innocent people were executed without any trial. Freedom of thought and speech was completely wiped out. Censure was common.

Propaganda and youth endoctrination were classic tools to promote the communist ideology.