21. Stalin\'s Cult of Personality PDF

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21. Stalin's Cult of Personality...

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Stalin’s Cult of Personality What was the cult of personality? - Refers to how Stalin’s image was imposed on all aspects of life. - He was presented as the omnipotent leader whom people should worship. - The cult promoted unified purpose and aimed to give people confidence in their leader, Stalin. How and what did the cult impose? - Originated in late 1920s but at this point promoted the collective leadership body. - It was around 1933 that the cult’s focus shifted towards Stalin. - Stalin was presented as: - The heir to Lenin. - The sole mastermind behind Communist ideology. - His achievements in the five-year plans were emphasised. - Stalin reached God-like status and was nicknamed vozhd from the 1940s. This meant “a genius with great wisdom and prophetic powers.” - The cult used: - Paintings. - Poetry - Sculptures - Operas - Film - Novels - Radio - Newspapers - Paintings and posters showed Stalin walking among the common people, encouraging them to see him as on their side. - His relationship with children was exaggerated. - All nurseries had a painting of Stalin with the statement - Thank you Stalin for my happy childhood. - Operas, film and novels glorified his role in the revolution. He was presented as the chief hero in the Civil War. - Artists who stepped out of line were given harsh warnings and their work denounced. For example, Shostakovich’s opera “Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District”. - Textbooks expressed Stalin’s valour, as did newspapers and radio. - Youth groups idolised Stalin....