Development Of The Communist Dictatorship - ‘Stalinism’ + ‘The Cult of Personality’

Question 1

What image did this cult present?

Answer 1

-image of himself to inspire confidence during period of rapid change
-displayed as Lenin’s true disciple + companion

Question 2

How was this image portrayed?

Answer 2

-with slogans like ‘Stalin is the Lenin of today’
-portraits Marx, Engels, Lenin + Stalin in continuous progression bringing enlightenment
-posters + sculptors to show S ‘mighty leader’ + ‘father of the nation’

Question 3

When was the cult established?

Answer 3

-years 1933-39 + reached height after WW2
-‘history of the all-Union communist party’ published textbook 1938

Question 4

How did this textbook impact Stalin?

Answer 4

-S assumed major role in Oct rev
-T + old B’viks portrayed as ‘enemies of the people’ or assigned minor roles

Question 5

How were photographs used in this textbook?

Answer 5

-photos doctored to remove S enemies
-show S at side of Lenin

Question 6

How did the textbook impact society?

Answer 6

-34 million copies sold in Soviet Union by 1948

Question 7

How did this impact Stalin?

Answer 7

-‘manufatured’ adulation S received intense + showed strength of support he acquired within Soviet Union

Question 8

How did society react?

Answer 8

-some praised him as felt benefited from him rule
-real sense emotional attachment to S reflected very tradition sense of loyalty to leader like peasantry to Tsar

Question 9

What did society believe Stalin would do for them?

Answer 9

-look after their interests + problems within system were the fault of lesser officials

Question 10

How was Stalin regarded in this cult?

Answer 10

-regarded as a god-like figure
-portrait was carried + displayed in the manner of a religious item