20.3 Stalin's cult of personality after 1945

Question 1

What happened in 1946 that could have altered Stalin’s personality?

Answer 1

• Mini-stroke

- YET this could also have been his old age BUT he was still adored by the public

Question 2

How was propaganda used to positively present Stalin after 1945?

++ How was Stalin perhaps also impacted by propaganda?

Answer 2

• ‘World’s greatest genius’ superior in every respect
• First and last paragraph of academic books or articles were dedicated to Stalin
• Despite not visiting a Kolkhoz in 25+ years and residing in his country home he was known as the ‘man of the people’ who knew what everyone was thinking and doing

++ Stalin relied upon newspapers so was perhaps mislead too

Question 3

What happened on Stalin’s 70th birthday?

Answer 3

• All newspapers were devoted to praising Stalin

- A large portrait hung and lit on the red square which seemed magical

Question 4

How was Stalin’s legacy ensured?

Answer 4

• Towns renamed after him like Stalingrad (Moscow was proposed but not)
• Stalin prizes were created as a counter to the Nobel prize
• Statues erected
• Marks airbrushed from his face

Question 5

What did Gregory Freeze say about the public’s view on Stalin post 1945 and his reaction to this?

Answer 5

‘Stalin was accorded god-like veneration in the post-war years…however gratifying universal adulation did not relax Stalin’s vigilant concern for personal power’

Question 6

Who said ‘Stalin was accorded god-like veneration in the post-war years…however gratifying universal adulation did not relax Stalin’s vigilant concern for personal power’?

Answer 6

Gregory Freeze