Personality cults - Lenin Flashcards
Between 1918 and 1924 the Soviet media had created…
a cult of Lenin’s personality
Between 1918 and 1924 the Soviet media had created a cult of Lenin’s personality - what did it lead to?
It led to public trust in Lenin, and Soviet leaders appealed to Lenin’s legacy throughout the 1920s in an attempt to legitimise their actions and keep the Soviet Government stable
What does the term “Cult of Personality” mean?
The “Cult of Personality” refers to the glorification and idolisation of a political leader, often through propaganda and media manipulation, creating an aura of worship and unquestioned loyalty
What is the purpose of a “Cult of Personality”?
The purpose of a “Cult of Personality” is to consolidate and maintain the leader’s power, create a sense of reverence among the population, and discourage dissent or opposition
Methods used to promote the “Cult of Personality” include…
controlling the media, rewriting history, suppressing dissent, and promoting the leader’s achievements and virtues
Propaganda
Propaganda played a central role in shaping public perception. State-controlled media propagated images and stories that portrayed the leader as heroic, infallible, and indispensable
Lenin propaganda example
In 1919, during the Civil War, even though resources were scarce, busts and statues of Lenin were produced. Lenin’s photograph also appeared with various titles, such as “Leader of the Revolutionary Proletariat”
Iconography
Iconography involved the use of symbols, posters, and artworks that emphasised the leader’s greatness and portrayed them as a messianic figure
Lenin iconography example
Lenin was often depicted in Revolutionary Attire, wearing a suit, tie, and a cap reflecting his role as a leader and a revolutionary figure
The role of Lenin’s iconography
Lenin’s iconography played a crucial role in shaping public perception and fostering a sense of reverence and loyalty towards him, ensuring the longevity of his cult of personality
The Hammer and Sickle symbol
The Hammer and Sickle symbol, prominently featured in Lenin iconography, represented the unity of the industrial working class (hammer) and the peasantry (sickle) under the leadership of the Communist Party
The Red Star
The Red Star symbolised the triumph of communism and was often depicted alongside Lenin’s image to associate him with the socialist cause
Lenin’s portraits / posters
Lenin’s portraits were erected throughout the Soviet Union, often portraying him in a heroic pose, emphasising his determination and resolve
Although religion was abolished in favour of atheism after the revolution, the techniques used by painters of icons (traditional religious images) were used to make Lenin look almost like a saint
Lenin’s portraits / posters example
“A Spectre is Haunting Europe, the Spectre of Communism”
A poster by Valentin Shcherbakov, Moscow, circa 1924. The poster is based on G.P. Goldstein’s photographs of Lenin addressing troops of the Red Army in Moscow. 5th May 1920. The slogan is taken from the first line of the Manifesto of the Communist Party, written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
“A Spectre is Haunting Europe, the Spectre of Communism” - poster description
The portrait of Lenin captures his iconic and determined persona, reflecting the spectre of communism that loomed over Europe during his time
The background of the portrait is a deep shade of red, symbolizing the revolutionary spirit and the imminent arrival of communism. The colour creates a sense of intensity and passion associated with Lenin’s ideology
Lenin’s image is depicted in the foreground, with a focused and penetrating gaze. He is shown with a bald head, a goatee, and a slightly stern expression. His face is rendered with sharp, defined features, conveying his intellectual and resolute nature
Lenin is dressed in his signature attire, wearing a dark suit, a white shirt, and a tie. His clothing is well-tailored, reflecting his position as a leader and a statesman
The lighting in the portrait highlights Lenin’s face, creating a contrast between light and shadow. This effect adds depth and dimension to the image, emphasizing the strength and determination of the revolutionary leader
The overall composition of the portrait is centred, allowing Lenin’s figure to dominate the frame. The focus is primarily on his face, capturing the intensity and power he projected as the embodiment of the communist movement
