context

• The great purge - campaigns of political repression and persecution in the USSR arranged by Stalin

  • nationwide background of constant surveillance
  • branding someone as 'enemy of the people'
  • eliminated threats to Stalin's power
• 5 year plan - plan to produce rapid economic development in the USSR
• Cult of personality - particular leader becomes associated with revolutionary transformation

  • Stalin created a cult of personality for himself by manipulating the way he was presented to the public
  • He was only around 5'5" in height but in statues he had a tall and well built figure
  • Stalin's name was included in the Soviet national anthem during WWII
• Rationing - In 1940, ingredients such as sugar, butter and eggs were rationed due to the limited supply caused by WWII

  • In 1984, chocolate is rationed
• Hitler youth - indoctrination of children to prepare them to serve Hitler

  • Ensures loyalty of the next generation
  • The Parsons' children are loyal to the Party due to the environment they grew up in
• British democracy - Orwell believed that British democracy wouldn't survive WWII

  • 'Animal Farm' and '1984' both follow betrayed revolutions