Propaganda And Censorship Flashcards
(34 cards)
What is censorship?
When the state controls what people see, hear, and read — including media, art, and music.
What is propaganda?
Information used to promote a political viewpoint — in the USSR, all state information was propaganda
How was propaganda used in film?
Propaganda films were shown across the USSR, giving a false picture of Soviet success.
How were records of the past changed?
Photos and documents were altered — e.g., Trotsky was erased from pictures with Lenin.
What happened to books by ‘enemies of the people’?
They were banned and suppressed — e.g., Trotsky’s works were removed.
What was Glavlit and what did it do?
The state censorship department — it turned economic data into propaganda, only publishing good results.
What was the cultural goal of media under Stalin?
Everything people saw or read had to be positive about the USSR.
What was Socialist Realism?
A type of art that showed Soviet life in an idealised way to help people understand socialism.
How was education used for propaganda?
• New curriculums and textbooks praised Stalin’s achievements
• Only state-approved content was taught
How did the Communist Party change teaching?
• A new generation of teachers restored discipline
• Radical students who had denounced teachers were no longer tolerated
How was religion targeted by propaganda?
• The Party was atheist
• Religious worship was banned
• Places of worship shut
• Religious education banned
• Muslims in southern USSR were attacked
What replaced the Congress of Soviets in the 1936 Constitution?
The Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
What voting changes did the Constitution introduce?
• Everyone could vote
• Secret ballots used instead of open voting
• But still only one party to vote for
What rights did the Constitution guarantee?
Holidays, healthcare, housing, education, and other workers’ benefits
What did it say about republics in the USSR?
It gave the 15 republics equal rights with Russia.
Who actually controlled the republics?
All were tightly controlled by the Communist Party in Moscow.
Did Stalin follow the Constitution in practice?
No — he ignored it and ruled the USSR as a dictator.
What was the real purpose of the 1936 Constitution?
To create a good impression internationally, especially for foreign visitors
• In reality, brutality and dictatorship continued
What cult began after Lenin’s death?
A cult of Lenin, portraying him as an infallible leader who was never wrong.
How did Stalin extend Lenin’s cult?
He claimed to be ‘the Lenin of today’, suggesting he could best understand and apply Lenin’s ideas.
What public image did Stalin project?
A warm, personal leader called ‘Leader, Teacher, Friend’ and ‘little father’ of the Soviet people.
How was Stalin shown in propaganda visuals?
Surrounded by modern factories, happy children, and collective farms
Always smiling, fatherly, and leading the Soviet people to success
Why did portraying Stalin as perfect help the regime?
It gave people confidence during hardship
Made them believe sacrifices were worth it for socialism
How did Russian culture reinforce the cult?
Russia had a tradition of paternal rulers, which matched Stalin’s ‘little father’ image.
