3.2 cult of personality, propoganda, cultral change Flashcards
1
Q
propoganda
Lenin’s Use of Propaganda
A
- During CW, Lenin effectively utilized propaganda through posters, film, and arts to mobilize support for socialism.
- Simple yet striking representations and repeated messages were employed to appeal to barely literate peasants
2
Q
propoganda
Stalin’s Propaganda Machine
A
- Stalin heavily relied on propaganda to garner support for collectivization and industrial policies.
- Propaganda depicted happy, productive workers and glorified heroes like Stakhanov as role models.
3
Q
propoganda
Cult of Personality and Leadership Association
A
- Stalin reinforced his position through a cult of personality, associating himself closely with Lenin.
- Slogans like “Stalin is the Lenin of today” emphasized this association, creating a red corner in homes akin to saints’ corners in tsarist times.
4
Q
propoganda
Lenin’s Cult and Stalin’s Self-Promotion
A
- A cult of personality around Lenin grew posthumously, fostered by Stalin’s efforts to appear as his disciple.
- Stalin consciously developed his own cult once established in power, with self-promotion being crucial to his consolidation of power.
5
Q
cultral change
Early Years After the October Revolution
A
- early years post-rev, cultural enterprise flourished under freer atmosphere brought by the Bolsheviks.
- 1920s became known as “silver age” of Russian literature and poetry, new experimentation in music inspired by rev spirit.
- Stat: Literature and arts saw a surge in creativity and innovation.
6
Q
cultral change
Stalinist Era Cultural Policies
A
- Stalin viewed cultural pursuits as form of propaganda, insisted on conformity to socialist ideology.
- 1932, artists + writers had to belong to state-controlled unions, exerting control over creative expression.
- Stat: All writers, musicians, filmmakers, painters, and sculptors had to belong to the Union of Soviet Writers or similar bodies, limiting artistic freedom.
7
Q
cultral change
Doctrine of Social Realism
A
- Writers expected to adhere to the doctrine of social realism, portraying Soviet life not as it was but as it could become in the future.
- Stat: The mid-1930s saw a ruthless attack on the avant-garde, exemplified by the condemnation of Dmitry Shostakovich’s opera in 1936.
8
Q
cultral change
Promotion of Classical Forms and Folk Culture
A
- Stalinist culture promoted classical forms in architecture, painting, and music, with a revival of Russian classical composers and literature.
- Traditional peasant arts and crafts were praised, and folk culture was promoted through choirs, dancing troupes, and folklore festivals.
- Stat: Landscape art depicting nature tamed by Soviet industrial endeavor gained popularity
9
Q
cultral change
Legacy of the Stalinist Era
A
- Soviet culture incorporated elements of both traditional Russian culture and socialist ideology, promoting a vision of the future while drawing from the past.
- Stat: Despite political constraints, interest in Russian works of the nineteenth century persisted, reflecting the belief that ordinary people could relate to these classics.
10
Q
cult of personality
Development of Stalin’s Cult
A
- December 1929, Stalin consciously developed his own cult, portraying himself as Lenin’s true disciple and companion.
- Portraits and artworks depicted Marx, Engels, Lenin, and Stalin in continuous progression, symbolizing enlightenment for the Russian people.
- History of the All-Union Communist Party (the “Short Course”), published in 1938, portrayed Stalin as a major figure in the October Revolution, while his enemies like Trotsky were marginalized or demonized.
11
Q
cult of personality
Establishment and Intensification of the Cult
A
- Stalin cult was fully established during the years 1933-39, reaching its peak after World War II.
- The Short Course sold 34 million copies in the Soviet Union by 1948, propagating the glorification of Stalin’s role in history.
12
Q
cult of personality
Intensity of Adulation and Support
A
- adulation Stalin received was intense and widespread, reflecting the strength of support he had acquired within the Soviet Union.
- Some praised Stalin because they benefited from his rule or hoped to do so in the future, needing assurance of his patronage.
- Emotional attachment to Stalin was common, reminiscent of traditional loyalty to leaders like the Tsar, earning him the nickname “Red Tsar.”
13
Q
cult of personality
Perception of Stalin as a Fatherly Figure
A
- Many viewed Stalin as a paternal figure who would look after their interests and believed any system problems were the fault of lesser officials.
- Stalin revered to the point of being regarded as a God-like figure, with his portrait displayed in a manner akin to religious icons.
- reflected a deeply ingrained sense of loyalty and reverence within Soviet society.
