Some European roots of the personality cult phenomenon – the attempt of comparative approach

In: Rocznik Integracji Europejskiej, Issue 13, p. 7-29

Abstract

The aim of this article is an attempt of comparative approach to the personality cult phenomenon, which formed the distinctive feature of three totalitarian political systems developed in Europe after the first world war, namely Italy during the rule of Benito Mussolini, Nazi Third Reich and the Stalinist Soviet Union. And so, after some general presentation of personality cults centered on three leaders of these totalitarian political systems, four general questions had been analyzed. These were as follows: some so-called "cult products", some methods used in the cult's propaganda, some functions of the cult of personality and finally some attitudes of totalitarian political leaders toward the cult of personality.