Cult of Personality - Lenin Flashcards
What did Soviet media create between 1918 and 1924?
The Lenin personality cult
What did this cult of personality lead to?
It led to public trust in Lenin
Soviet leaders appealed to his legacy throughout the 1920s in an attempt to legitimise their actions and keep the Soviet Government stable
What does the term Cult of Personality mean?
The glorification and idolisation of a political leader
This is often done through propaganda and media manipulation - creating an aura of worship and unquestioned loyalty
What is the purpose of a Cult of Personality?
To consolidate and maintain power
Create a sense of reverence among the population
To discourage dissent or opposition
What are the methods used to promote the COP?
- Controlling the media
- Rewriting history
- Suppressing dissent
- Promoting the achievements and virtues of the leader
What was the impact of propaganda on the COP?
Propaganda played a central role in shaping public perception
State-controlled media propagated images and stories that portrayed Lenin as infallible and indispensable
What is an example of Leninist propaganda?
Photographs of Lenin were titled: Leader of the Revolutionary Proletariat
What did iconography involve?
Iconography involved the use of symbols and artworks that emphasised the greatness of Lenin - portraying him as a messianic figure
How was Lenin often depicted in iconography?
Lenin was often depicted in Revolutionary Attire:
- Suit
- Tie
- Cap
This was done to reflect his role as a leader and a revolutionary figure
What was the role of his iconography?
It played a crucial role in shaping public perception and fostering a sense of reverence and loyalty towards him - ensuring the longevity of his cult of personality
What was prominently featured in Lenin iconography?
The Hammer and Sickle symbol
What did the hammer and sickle symbol represent?
The unity of the industrial working class (hammer) and the peasantry (sickle) under the leadership of the Communist Party
What did the red star symbolise?
The triumph of communism - it was often depicted alongside Lenin to associate him with the socialist cause
What kind of pose was Lenin often portrayed?
Heroic
Why were the techniques used by painters of icons (traditional religious images) used?
To make Lenin look almost like a saint
