The Cult of Personality

Question 1

What was the origin of the Cult of Personality?

Answer 1

After Lenin’s death of 1924, Stalin was portrayed as Lenin’s disciple

Question 2

What event showed Stalin’s popularity?

Answer 2

Stalin celebrated his 50th birthday in 1929

He received 350 greetings to show his popularity

Question 3

What showed Stalin’s importance?

Answer 3

1931 – huge portraits of Marx, Lenin and Stalin appear on special occasions, this shows him as being as important as Lenin

Question 4

When was the cult fully established by?

Answer 4

1933-39
Stalin’s image is used to show people they have a strong leader
He is viewed as a religious- like figure
Paintings, poems and sculptures promote Stalin’s cult

Question 5

What was not allowed?

Answer 5

Writers and composers cannot publish anything that may damage Stalin’s reputation
Stalin rewrote history to reflect himself as a hero of the past
The cult provided the Russian people with a sense of confidence in troubled times, such as in war