Russia: The Cult of Personality and the Revision of History Flashcards
Cult of Personality
A cult of personality arises when an individual uses mass media, propaganda, or other methods, to create an idealized, heroic, and at times worshipful, image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.
Why did the Cult of Personality spring up?
Stalin wanted to build himself up to be all-powerful and stop anyone opposing his ideas. He made sure that everyone knew about his successes. He used many forms of propaganda to pass on the news, but his favourite form was paintings and sculptures. These appeared all over Russia.
How did the Communists control education?
Education was now freely available in the USSR, but only the communist version of history was taught. Old communists were removed from textbooks, and Stalin’s role in the revolution was exaggerated.
How did Stalin revise history?
The past was interpreted in a way that exaggerated the role of Stalin but removed the influence of purged people such as Trotsky.
Photos were edited to remove ‘enemies of the people’ who had once been viewed as heroes.
