Chapter fifteen - The development of the Stalin cult Flashcards
When did the cult of Stalin grow?
From December 1929 and his 50th birthday celebrations
An example of some propaganda about Stalin?
A poem by Izakovsky called ‘Song About Stalin’. They were a communist from a poor peasant background who had begun writing in praise of the regime on the 1920’s. This was written in 1936.
When was the Stalin cult fully established?
1933 to 1939
What was the main historical textbook for educational institutions?
The History of the All-Union Communist Party in 1938. In this Stalin assumed a major role in the October revolution and the subsequent Civil War, while Trotsky and other old Bolsheviks were portrayed as enemies of the people or assigned minor roles. Photographs were doctored to remove Stalin’s enemies and show Stalin at the side of Lenin.
How many copies did the book sell?
34 million copies in the Soviet Union by 1948
What did Khrushchev reveal?
1956 - Stalin read a pre publication version of the official Short Biography of his own life and he insisted it be revised to praise his qualities and achievements even more.
How were writers and artists controlled?
From 1932, all writers had to belong to the Union of Soviet Writers and art critics were required to join the Union of Artists. Similar bodies were established for musicians, film-makers and sculptors.
How were writers and artists meant to represent Soviet life?
They were made to adhere to the doctrine of socialist realism. This meant that they were not meant to represent Soviet life exactly how it was at the time, but show what it might become in the future.
What was the reference of socialist realism for writers?
This was laid down by Zhdanov in April 1934 at the first Congress of the Union of Soviet Writers. Works were expected to glorify the working man, particularly communities working together and embracing new technology.
What was a popular example of socialist realism?
The novel How the Steel Was Tempered by Ostrovsky
What culture was promoted?
Folk culture
What was the socialist propaganda in the Pravda?
The Pravda published a series of articles and cartoons with a section entitled ‘With Us’ which featured stories about opening new factories and scientific discoveries, and ‘With Them’ which provided dreary descriptions of the hardships in the West, unemployment and disasters
How were workers portrayed as role models?
Young men who accomplished heroic endeavours appeared on the front page of the Pravda more often than Stalin himself between 1937 and 38
How were female workers portrayed?
25% of all female factory workers were described as ‘norm breaking’ but mother-heroines who had large families were also glorified.
How was sculpture used as propaganda?
Vera Mukhina produced a massive stainless steel sculpture ‘Worker and the Kolkhoz Woman’ for the 1937 World Trade Fair in Paris. It was 24.5 metres high and it depicted two figures with a sickle and a hammer raised over their heads in workers’ solidarity
