R4.3 Cult of Stalin Flashcards
(27 cards)
What was seen as the rapid catalyst for growth of the Stalin Cult?
Stalins 50th Birthday on December 1929
What was Stalins role portrayed as?
He inspired confidence during a period of change, he was shown on portraits with Marx, Lenin and Stalin in continuous progression
His role was seen to be the mighty leader, father of the nation and universal genius
What was published in 1938?
The History of the All-Union Communist Party, this was the main historical textbook for schools and universities, it was known as -> THE SHORT COURSE
What did Stalins book contain?
-Stalin was shown to have played a major role in revolutions/civil war
-Trotsky and other Bolsheviks enemies of the people
-Photos doctored to remove Stalin’s enemies and show Stalin with Lenin
-History became communist success
-All paths glorify Stalinism
How many copies of Stalins book sold?
34 million copies by 1948
How did people show devotion to Stalin?
-Some peasants and workers created a “red corner” of great leaders in their homes, Stalin being known as the “Red Tsar”
-Stalin may not have encouraged this behaviour but didn’t stop it
What was Lenin’s views on literature and arts?
A traditionalist, he encouraged freedom of expression as long as it didn’t oppose revolution, this continued through 1920s following his death
What was Stalin’s attitude towards literature and arts?
Viewed it as nothing more than propaganda, thus they were all only considered valuable and legitimate if they supported socialist ideology
What was established in 1932?
That all writers had to belong to the Union of Soviet Writers, and similar bodies were established for other professions (Musicians, Film-Makers, Sculptors)
How were non membership artists treated?
Weren’t particularly prosecuted but this meant artistic isolation with no opportunity for commissions or sale of work, so would need to join a body to gain money
What was Socialism Realism?
A new doctrine, it set out guidelines for art, literature and cultural expression in general
It wanted all writers and artists to not represent current soviet life but to show what it might become in the future
When was First Congress of the Union of Soviet Writers, and what happened?
April 1934, the first congress: Andrei Zhdanov first talked about the principles of Socialist Realism:
-Cultural works expected to glorify the Union of Soviet Writers
-Messages conveyed to be uplifting, optimistic and positive
What was a popular novel during this time?
Nikolai Ostrovskys “How the Steel Was Tempered” which had a message of happy endings
Who was Andrei Zhdanov?
-An old bolshevik who worked his way up the ranks
-Became Party Secretary in Leningrad 1934
-Became member Politburo 1939
-Led defence of Leningrad GPW 1941-44
-Appointed direct cultural policy across Soviet Union in 1946
What became of Andrei Zhdanov?
In 1948 he suddenly died, amidst rumours Stalin deliberately removed him
How was Soviet Culture designed to be appreciated by the proletariat?
Although this was intended, there was no attempt to create a new “Proletarian culture” distinct from the bourgeoisie of pre-revolution
-Great works of the 19th century were much read, seen, heard and copied
What art and music was popular at this time?
-Landscape art became popular, particularly ones showing nature being tamed by Soviet industry
-Music had a return of classical Russian composers: Glinka and Tchaikovsky
What literature was popular at this time?
Writers such as: Pushkin and Tolstoy
What were Folk Choirs and Dancing troupes?
They appeared, representing a Russian “national culture” and performing in folklore festivals, this theme tied will with Stalin’s commitment to “national” values and praise for Russia’s great heritage
What was the role of Moscow during this time?
It was transformed and epitomised socialist realism in architecture, the style was monumental with Lenin’s mausoleum “shrine” on the red square “parade ground” in the shadow of the Kremlin
What happened to the Kremlin?
In 1935, five red stars replaced the imperial eagles which had been removed, as well as the Moscow Metro opened in this year which had stations designed as “palaces of light”
What was propaganda like during this time?
Stalin relied heavily on this to support policies, Military terminology was often used, class enemies were damned and pictures of happy, productive workers reinforced the socialist message of Stalin’s collectivisation and industrial policies
What was the worker-hero trope?
A common propagandist theme and Stakhanov was celebrated through this as a role model, young men would accomplish heroic endeavours and appear on the front page of Pravda more often than Stalin himself between 1937-38
Were there female Stakhanovites?
Yes, 25% of all female factory workers were described as “norm-breaking”, and the other women were praised as “mother-heroines” for raising large families
