Personality cults - Lenin Flashcards

1
Q

Between 1918 and 1924 the Soviet media had created…

A

a cult of Lenin’s personality

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2
Q

Between 1918 and 1924 the Soviet media had created a cult of Lenin’s personality - what did it lead to?

A

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

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3
Q

What does the term “Cult of Personality” mean?

A

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

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4
Q

What is the purpose of a “Cult of Personality”?

A

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

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5
Q

Methods used to promote the “Cult of Personality” include…

A

controlling the media, rewriting history, suppressing dissent, and promoting the leader’s achievements and virtues

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6
Q

Propaganda

A

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

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7
Q

Lenin propaganda example

A

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”

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8
Q

Iconography

A

Iconography involved the use of symbols, posters, and artworks that emphasised the leader’s greatness and portrayed them as a messianic figure

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9
Q

Lenin iconography example

A

Lenin was often depicted in Revolutionary Attire, wearing a suit, tie, and a cap reflecting his role as a leader and a revolutionary figure

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10
Q

The role of Lenin’s iconography

A

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

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11
Q

The Hammer and Sickle symbol

A

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

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12
Q

The Red Star

A

The Red Star symbolised the triumph of communism and was often depicted alongside Lenin’s image to associate him with the socialist cause

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13
Q

Lenin’s portraits / posters

A

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

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14
Q

Lenin’s portraits / posters example

A

“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.

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15
Q

“A Spectre is Haunting Europe, the Spectre of Communism” - poster description

A

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

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16
Q

“A Spectre is Haunting Europe, the Spectre of Communism” serves as…

A

a visual representation of the spectre of communism, symbolizing his influence and the ideological force that he represented in Europe and beyond

17
Q

Lenin Mausoleum

A

The Lenin Mausoleum in Moscow became a central icon of Lenin’s cult. It housed his embalmed body and served as a pilgrimage site for his followers

18
Q

Lenin’s profile

A

Lenin’s profile, characterised by his bald head, goatee, and intense gaze, became an iconic image associated with him. It captured his intellectual and determined persona

19
Q

Lenin’s revolutionary attire

A

Lenin was often depicted in revolutionary attire, wearing a suit, tie and a cap, reflecting his role as a leader and a revolutionary figure