Illiteracy Flashcards
A wow fact that proves Russias illiteracy
by 1917 only 32% of Russian Empire could read and write
What literacy policies were introduced during civil war
Trotsky introduced literacy classes throughout red army
Lunacharsky, network of reading rooms offered 6 week intensive courses in reading or writing
Effect of these policies during Civil war
1918 50% soldiers illiterate 1925 100%
outside Red Army no success
Learning not priority for those trying to survive civil war
How did NEP help introduce literacy policies?
NEP stabilised economy allowing gov to commit itself to eradicate illiteracy
During the NEP what was introduced?
Communist work with trade unions to run literacy classes
- Metal workers Union = decline in illiteracy 14% 1925 to 4% 1926
- Transport workers union = 99% literacy by 1927
Effect of NEP policies on literacy
Improved 38% 1914 to 55% 1928 spreading literacy in rural areas hard
How was Stalin going to tackle Illiteracy
Run in Military style:
Volunteer ‘cultural soldiers’ in ‘cultural battalions’ sent in Soviet Villages to fight ‘cultural war against illiteracy
Effect of Campaign and why
took place Mid forced collectivisation
Teachers associated with gov so peasants resisted new teachers
40% teachers physically attacked 1st year of campaign
What did communists set up for young people?
- Young Pioneers est 1922 to cater for children between ages 10 - 15
- Komsomol est 1918 ages 16 - 28
What was the Komsomol and Young Pioneers do
- Wore uniform
- activities, hiking camping talks with factory workers, red army soldiers
1920s
What was the Komsomol supposed to represent and what was the reality?
Komsomol members meant to be disciplined and keen supporter
- Reputation of drunkenness, promiscuity and hooliganism
What were youth groups under Stalin tasked with?
Expected to spy on parents and report any criminal behaviour to police
Encouraged to be hard workers and obedient
What did Khrushchev hope for his youth groups?
That they would play a leading role in holding factory managers and party officials to account reminding them of the vision they were all working towards
