Stalin - Social/Political impact of WWII Flashcards
What did wartime propaganda demonstrate?
- ‘defeat the fascists’
- ‘are you doing your shared work?’
- the socialist system was stronger than others
How did the war strengthen the belief in the communist system?
- able to adapt quickly to a wartime economy (centralised planning)
- it was not defeated by Germany
How many joined the Party by 1945?
8.6 million
How did the army change the composition of the Communist Party?
It brought back badges of rank
How were national minorities a political concern?
They could bring about political disintegration
What were national minorities announced as?
‘Suspect’ ethnic groups
When was the Volga German autonomous dissolved?
August 1941
Where were ethnic minorities deported?
Siberia, Kazaksthan
How many survived the journey east?
2/3
How many ethnic minorities were deported?
1.5 million
What was WWII known as?
The Great Patriotic War
What were all encouraged to do?
Sacrifice themselves for ‘Holy Mother Russia
What was the symphony by Shotokovich called?
Symphony No.7 ‘Leningrad’
How was there more artistic freedom?
Through the national reconciliation - as long as no criticism against Marxist/Leninist system
Why were churches revived?
- revive national morale
- respite the purges
What were churches made to do?
Swear an oath to Soviet state
How many women fought in the war?
Half a million
What were mothers made?
Heroines of the Soviet Union
Who was required to work?
- men 16-55
- women 16-45
- university students
- pensioners
What were the working hours during WWII?
12 hour work day, 70-77 hour work week
What law were factories placed under?
Martial Law
What was the death rate in gulags/labour camps?
25%
How many deaths were due to food shortages?
1/4
What was the death toll of the war?
19 million civilians
9 million soldiers
