Control of the People, 1917-85 Flashcards
Name 3 ways Lenin’s new government established control of the press and media: (A)
1) Announcing Decree on the Press Nov 1917, gave emergency power to close any newspapers which supported counter-revolution 2) Establish ROSTA which was solely responsible to distribute news 3) Est. Revolutionary Tribunal of the Press - Jan 1918, power to censor press; journalists and editors who commited ‘crimes against the people’ - punished by Cheka, able to impose fines or prison
By 1921, how many newspapers (Socialist and Tsarist) and printing presses were closed? (A)
2000 - newspapers 575 printing presses
What was the result of Lenin closing the newspapers and printing presses in terms of media consumption? (A)
Communist party newspaper Pravda ^ circulation, by early 1920s = one of best selling Control of Sovnarkum = communist control of official newspaper of Soviets, Izvestis
Early propaganda in the Soviet Union featured an initial cult of Lenin. What was Lenin’s view on this, what did the cult feature, and why? (A) (Include caption of photos of Lenin)
Lenin was uncomfortable with it, but understood its importance as it needed to give the revolution a face which the people could identify with + support Focus on Lenin, ^ Aug following assassination attempt, idea that he would give his life + also used simple messaging via focus on good + kind leader - Lenin’s photographed during 1919-20 as someone who refused luxury + photographed wearing cap = approachable - use techniques used by Orthodox Church + Tsar Party believed w,p,s needed very simple messaging they could understand + cult have socialist edge e.g. photos of Lenin had various titles e.g. ‘Leader of the Revolutionary Proletariat’
What kind of artists did the early government work with to promote the revolution?
Give 1 example artist and 1 example piece
Avant-garde + photomontage
Gustav Klutsis created posters to advertise Lenin’s electrification campaign
‘A Spectre is Haunting Europe - the Spectre of Communism’ - picture Lenin pointing West in front of a red banner
