Essay 2.

• Essay Question -  “Propaganda was not a major factor in Stalin’s maintenance of power 1929-53”
• • Tenure of Stalin as leader remains subject of intense scholarly debate
• • Provokes discussion is the role propaganda plays in his maintenance of power
• • Stalin’s rule was primarily sustained through mechanisms (purges, industrialisation, diplomatic manoeuvres, influence of propaganda cannot be discounted)
• • Stalin’s reign infamous for Great Purges (eliminated potential threats from within/outside communist party)
• • Elimination of old Bolsheviks, military officials, intellectuals (1936-38) created a culture of fear that dissuaded opposition
• • By rooting out elements deemed disloyal, stalin fortified position at apex of soviet hierarchy
  • Getty → purges were instrumental in instilling/demonstrating power
  • Stalin’s autocratic control reinforced purges created environment where dissent was not perilous but fatal
• • Stalin’s economic policies notably Five Year Plans/collectivisation played roles
  • Endeavours generated dual effect: led to economic growth and increased popularity among segments of population (led to enormous human costs including famines loss of life
• • Fitzpatrick → regardless of human toll, cemented stalin’s control by transforming soviet union into industrial power capable of challenging its capitalist adversaries
• Stalin perceived not just an autocrat but builder of communism (crucial maintaining his grip on power)
• • Ideological campaigns further strengthened, propagated concept of socialism in one country focusing on consolidating soviet state opposed to Trotsky’s idea of permanent revolution
  • Manoeuvre portrayed stalin as pragmatist, invested in welfare thereby consolidated position domestically
• Suny → stalin's ideological framework was integral to his rule as it provided a counter-narrative to Trotskyism/aligned with nationalist sentiments of soviet people
• • Stalin's diplomatic engagement (during after WWII) bolstered his domestic image
• • Alliances and wartime leadership elevated global standing but portrayed him as a formidable leader
• • Service → emphasises stalin’s diplomatic manoeuvres during critical junctures such as non-aggression pact (Nazi Germany) significant in maintaining rule
  • Actions projected him shrewd/pragmatic leader capable of making difficult decisions for greater good of the state
• Propaganda played a role, foundational stones of stalin’s prolonged rule appear to be laid in strategic purges, economic policies, ideological shifts, and diplomatic endeavours 
• Elements worked synergistically to create a multifaceted approach to governance that rendered opposition virtually impossible and sustained power through fear, economic transformation, ideological manipulation
• Propaganda did serve as a factor in Stalin’s rule would undermine sophisticated machinery of state-controlled media, arts, and education operated his reign
• • State’s monopoly over media outlets, allowed dissemination of curated messages designed to cultivate an image of stalin as an paternal figure
  • Through mediums (portrayed embodiment of soviet union’s aspirations)
• • Tismaneanu → state controlled media were not channels of information but instrumentalists of indoctrination that reinforced stalin’s cult of personality
  • Stalin’s influence was extended into cultural realm through imposition of socialist realism as dominant literary ideology
• • Artistic expression that did not conform to this paradigm were suppressed thereby controlling the political but cultural narrative
  • Cultural products propagated the virtues of socialism and leadership of Stalin
• • Plamper → socialist realism was not an artistic style but tool for indoctrination
  • By cultivating a cultural milieu that extolled virtues of communism and portrayed stalin as its epitome, the regime fashioned a public consciousness amenable to its political objectives
• • Education → curricula redesigned to integrate ideological education as core component
  • Textbooks revised to glorify russian revolution, emphasise stalin’s role in its success and in development of soviet state
• • Mass rallies, public gatherings, demonstrations served as platforms for the regime to communicate its achievements and agenda directly to the people
  • Kenez → these orchestrated gatherings were not mere displays of state power but were rituals that fostered sense of community/collective purpose (bound by leadership of stalin)
• • Propaganda was more than an adjunct to stalin’s power, it was a fundamental pillar that supported it
  • Through monopolistic control over media, cultural narratives, educational curricula, the state was able to shape public opinion
• A cult of personality was crafted around stalin,  and this cult disseminated through various channels to reach every stratum of soviet society