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.
