Answer:
The statement "Ethnic and religious groups are blamed for the country's problems" best explains how an ethnic crisis can lead to the development of a totalitarian government.
In times of ethnic crisis, tensions and conflicts may arise between different ethnic or religious groups within a country. Totalitarian governments can exploit these crises by scapegoating certain ethnic or religious groups and blaming them for the country's problems. By fueling division and promoting a narrative of "us versus them," the government can consolidate power, suppress dissent, and establish control over the population.
This process often involves propaganda, manipulation of public opinion, and the use of state apparatus to target and discriminate against specific ethnic or religious communities. The government may enact discriminatory policies, incite hatred and violence, and curtail civil liberties in the name of national unity or security.
Through this manipulation and blaming of ethnic or religious groups, the government can justify its authoritarian actions and consolidate power. By creating a common enemy and fostering a sense of fear or threat, the totalitarian government can rally support from a portion of the population, suppress opposition, and further entrench its control.
It is important to note that ethnic crises and the development of totalitarian governments are complex processes influenced by various factors, and the specific circumstances may vary in different contexts. However, blaming and targeting specific ethnic or religious groups is a common characteristic observed in the emergence of totalitarian regimes during ethnic crises.