Life in a Totalitarian State Russian Revolution

Terms Pravda, totalitarian state, atheism, socialist realism.

Cult of Personality Stalin attempted to make himself a “godlike” figure Propaganda mills described him as the devoted father of the Soviet People – To support his absolute power

An Age of Totalitarian Control Marx argued that the ‘state’ would wither away. Under Stalin – the opposite happened. Soviet Union became a totalitarian state – One party dictatorship – Controlled every aspect of life

Terror Communist party used: – Secret police (KGB) – Censorship – Violent purges – Terror Nothing appeared in print without official approval KGB

KGB AgentPresident of Russia

Propaganda Public bombarded with relentless propaganda All public communication controlled by state – Movies, radio, theaters, schools shared same message Praising communist successes and the evils of capitalism – Most not true Revived extreme Nationalism

Pravda Pravda – “truth” – Communist newspaper Linked enemies at home to foreign agents Supporters of Stalin shown as national heroes. Children celebrated for turning in parents!

War on Religion In accordance with the ideas of Marx, atheism, or belief there is no god, became the official state policy. Communist targeted the Russian Orthodox Church which had supported the Czars Church property seized Priests killed or died in prison camps

War on Religion Illegal to teach ‘religion’ to the young. Jewish synagogues seized and banned the use of Hebrew. Islam officially discouraged – USSR wanted sympathy of colonized people in the Middle East Replaced religion with Communist ideology – Communist ‘sacred’ texts –writings of Lenin/Marx – Communist shrines – tomb of Lenin – Portraits of Stalin replaced religious icons in homes.

St. Basil’s Cathedral – Red Square

Changes in Soviet Society Instead of a ‘classless’ society – Communist created a new ruling class. The New Elite – Communist Party Members – Joined party to get ahead not because of Communist ideology – Industrial managers, military leaders, scientist

The New Elite Enjoyed benefits denied to average citizen – Best apartments – Vacation homes in the Country – Shop at special stores for scarce consumer goods Good shoes for example

Social Benefits and Drawbacks Benefits – Free education – Free medical care – Day care for children – Inexpensive housing – Public recreation Drawbacks Standard of living remained low Millions forced to cities for work Housing scarce Bread plentiful, but meat, fruit, and other foods in short supply.

Education Built schools and required children to attend. Educated workers needed for a modern industrial state Taught: – Basic skills – Communist values – Atheism – Glory of collective farming – LOVE OF STALIN!

Women Women worked early on to spread the ideas of the revolution Women got equality under the law, gained access to education and a wide range of jobs. Government provided day care so women could work – factories, construction, farming

The Arts and the State “Art must serve politics,” said Lenin – Allowed artistic freedom Artist welcomed the change to experiment with ideas and forms Stalin changed this attitude.

Socialist Realism Stalin introduced state control of the arts Socialist Realism – to boost socialism by showing Soviet life in a positive light. Had to promote hope in a Communist future

Censorship Government controlled what books were published; what music was heard; works of art to display Writers, artists, composers faced persecution under Stalin

Looking Ahead Stalin dies in 1953 – Soviet Union is a military superpower and world leader in heavy industry. Soviet people dominated by totalitarian state People lived a meager life compared to the West Other nations also created one-party states and cult personalities.

Questions to Ponder On Edmodo What methods did Stalin used to create a totalitarian state? Who made up the new elite in Soviet society? What special privileges did the new elite enjoy?