High Stalinism summary Flashcards
what is the years that followed the end of WW2 often referred to as ?
The period of ‘high Stalinism’
During high Stalinism?
Stalin’s authority over state and party + cult of personality had grown up around him - reaching its pinnacle
Stalin being seen as the great hero of WW2 meant that ?
He could real more or less as he chose, while those around him competed for fulfilling his wishes
Features of high Stalinism- inequality
Substantial inequality throughout society, hierarchy of ranks both within party and outside
- accompanying rewards e.g better housing , access to scarce goods
- those in higher ranks of party or industry = greater risks, could be blamed
Features of high Stalinism - media
Strict censorship of all media - Russian people had little knowledge of outside world
Features of high Stalinism - culture
No independent social or cultural organisations permitted
Features of high Stalinism , how was party message put across?
Extensive propaganda showing desired image of the leader
What was there a strong emphasis on
Nationalism and patriotism
- Russians were cut off from foreign contacts and influences
What was there a revival of?
Traditional values in family education and the arts
There was a great emphasis on the role of the leader- how was he presented ?
An all knowing, omnipresent god-like figure
Stalin held tremendous personal power as leader how?
His word was law , held the power of life and death
Features of high Stalinism - part and gov
High centralised control from Moscow over the party and gov
What was used to control the population?
Terror and coercion
Features of high Stalinism - Economy
A command economy - a centralised planning system with emphasis on heavy industry
Needs of the people
Low priority given = poor housing, few consumer goods generally low standards of living
Worker rights
Minimal worker rights, low wages and poor working conditions, trade unions were organs of the state
Peasants controlled through NKVD agents based in collectives
