Culture and Media under Stalin Flashcards
Who controlled media censorship in Russia?
The soviet state. All media and arts went through a strict filter. EVERYTHING had to be approved by one of these organisations to be published.
What role did Stalin play in media censorship (in short)?
The sole cultural judge and arbiter. All artists had to conform to his definition of culture or they were purged.
What was the only art style allowed under Stalin’s culture censorship?
Socialist Realism
What was socialist realism?
The only art form allowed in the USSR. Occurred in film, literature, music and paintings. Artists had to make either socialist role models or examples of class enemies.
What examples of art forms were forbidden or banned under Stalin?
Abstract and Experimental art forms and Jazz music was condemned for being decadent.
What did the government do when priests opposed collectivisation?
Emphasises the link between kulaks and church-goers.
What is collectivisation?
The process of transferring ownership of farmland to the state.
What were Kulaks?
A prosperous peasant who owned over 8 acres of land, financially capable of hiring labourers.
By the end of 1930, how much of Russia’s rural churches had been closed?
80%, and no churches were allowed in new towns.
By what year had 80% of rural churches been closed?
1930
How many bishops remained in their churches by 1930?
12 of 168
What did the literacy rate rise to?
Between 1926 and 1939, the literacy rose from 51% to 88%
What traits did schools focus on developing?
Regulation and discipline. To raise generations of obedient workers.
What was taught in schools?
Vocational work taught - factory skills (i.e., breeding poultry) and Propaganda.
What happened to teachers who were not members of the party?
They were driven out.
How were the children of party members educated?
Through private education
What was the Komsomol?
The Communist Union of Youth, which had begin unofficially in Lenin’s time. Made a formal body in 1926. Offered a chance of full membership to followers. Dedicated to Stalin.
By how much did Komsomol membership increase between 1927 and 1940?
2 million in 1927 to 10 million in 1940
What aspects of the party affected women in the 30s?
A shift towards pro-family, pro-discipline and anti-abortion policies. Caused by:
(1) collectivisation
(2) industrialisation
(3) a falling birth rate
(4) a rise of juvenile crime
When was abortion outlawed again?
In 1936 with the new family code. Divorce was also made more inaccessible.
When were child support payments increased by the government?
1936
What governmental changes were made to family life in 1936?
Abortion outlawed, divorce was harder to access, child support payment increased, cash payments to women with ≥6 children.
