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Hitler's dictatorship differed in one fundamental point from all its predecessors in history. His was the first dictatorship in the present period of technical development, a dictatorship which made complete use of all technical means for the domination of its own country. Through technical means like the radio and the loud-speaker, eighty million people were deprived of independent thought. It was thereby possible to subject them to the will of one man.

Albert Speer#3

ControlDictatorshipMediaTechnology

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker notes that modern dictatorships use technology to control thought more completely than past regimes.
In plain terms
Modern dictatorships use technology to control what people think.
What can you take from it?
Technology can amplify control over minds.

Where it applies

  • political analysis
  • media critique
  • historical comparison

Putting it to work

  • critical thinking
  • media literacy
  • political awareness

Questions to consider

  • How does media affect your thinking?
  • What tools control societies?

Another view

It assumes technology always diminishes independent thought.

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