Stalin’s Cult of Personality: By the end of the 1930s, the cultural war against bourgeouis culture was still in full flower. The Writers’ Congress in 1936 set a new style for literature. Although the Congress allowed professional writers to be … Continue reading →
Monthly Archives: October 2014
Week 7 Posts
Chapaev: revolutionary leader turned cinema icon
by mikegancio •
When it comes to Soviet cinema, few films eclipse Chapaev in both popularity and quality for its time. Upon release in 1934, Chapaev became an instant classic. Such widespread appeal across Russian society was due to the sheer patriotism and pride in the revolution elicited from the characters and scenes. To give a brief synopsis without spoiling […]
Red Star, Week 7 Posts
On the right track: The Moscow Metro
by cpurvis2 •
While Stalin called for a “passion for construction” in the First Five-Year Plan, he wanted a “passion for mastering technology” to come out of the Second Five-Year Plan. The construction of the Moscow Metro combined both of these passions, in … Continue reading →
Red Star, Week 7 Posts
Russia’s “Reign of Terror”: The Great Purges of 1936-38
by A. Lengyel •
The great purges of 1936 through 1938 mark one of the darkest times in Soviet history. What originated as simple rumors of counter-revolutionary factions in government turned into a society-wide purge of whoever was labelled as a dissident. Reminiscent of the “reign of terror” during the French Revolution, this period was one of mistrust, […]
Uncategorized
The Slippery Slope to the Soviet Revolution
by Anna •
Due to decades of distant monarchs, economic hardship, unchecked social tensions, and military disappointments, the Russian royals’ ruling days were numbered. The monarchy’s lack of attention to the needs of the peasants and workers allowed deep sentiments of distrust and dissatisfaction to fester. At the height of unrest and revolts in 1905, total revolution was…
Connecting Week Posts
The Slippery Slope to the Soviet Revolution
by Anna •
Due to decades of distant monarchs, economic hardship, unchecked social tensions, and military disappointments, the Russian royals’ ruling days were numbered. The monarchy’s lack of attention to the needs of the peasants and workers allowed deep sentiments of distrust and dissatisfaction to fester. At the height of unrest and revolts in 1905, total revolution was…
Uncategorized
The Dictated “Song of Soviet Schoolchildren”
by Kelly Cooper •
The Bolsheviks made many changes to the face of the Soviet Union, especially the change to children’s education. Stalin and the Bolsheviks wanted to create a strong communist society and what better way than to start from the ground up? … Continue reading →
Comrades' Corner, Week 7 Posts
“Thanks to Comrade Stalin for Our Happy Childhood…” Really?
by Kelly Cooper •
The Bolsheviks made many changes to the face of the Soviet Union, not least of all was the change to children’s education. Stalin and the Bolsheviks wanted to create a strong communist society and what better way than to start … Continue reading →
Uncategorized
The Soviets Loved to Drink…Champagne?
by zmartin •
Local Soviet Confectionery(1) When one thinks of things synonymous with Russia or the Soviet Union , vodka is one of the first images to pop into mind. However, the Soviets experienced fancier times when it came to their high levels of alcohol consumption. The Mid 1930′s up until the war was an easier time … Continue reading »
Comrades' Corner, Week 7 Posts
The Soviets Loved to Drink…Champagne?
by zmartin •
Local Soviet Confectionery(1) When one thinks of things synonymous with Russia or the Soviet Union , vodka is one of the first images to pop into mind. However, the Soviets experienced fancier times when it came to their high levels of alcohol consumption. The Mid 1930′s up until the war was an easier time […]