Stalin's Cult of Personality

1. Does the fact that images of Stalin appeared everywhere, as described by Steinbeck in Source 14.8, prove that Stalin attracted genuine adulation?

The sincereity that the people had for Stalin in the wake of his image across the country lacked truth, as in most probability efforts to put Stalin's image in a bright manner were for the safety of the citizen, or the expresed dilusion of an extreme loyalist. It does not not prove the attraction of genuine adulation, but more suggests at the prestige that Stalin had in power over the people's lives, putting his face everywhere.

2. Describe the various devices used to establish and spread the cult of Stalin.

The image of Stalin waas placed everywhere for every citizen to see, as a great leader and demigod. There was a portrait in every class room, statues littered the towns, and countless poems fueled the litterary mind. To further highten and establish a firm base of superiority, images where Trostsky and other leaders, the opposing members of Stalin were removed from the photographs, rewriting history for education and the overall understanding of the world of Stalin and the Soviet Union.

3. Account for the relative success of the cult - why do you think it worked with the Russian people?

It was the only power that the people knew, there had been either no point in resisting or no other ideals that the people were exposed to. The country shouted "Stalin", and there was no avoiding it.

4. What conclusions can you reach about whether the adulation Stalin received was genuine? Make notes of your answers.

Stalin might be refered to as the character that people loved to hate. Although it had been known what horrible things he had been doing, it was still the Soviet Union, the life of the people, and nothing else. After the death of Stalin, the idea of having an all powerfull political guardian, was lost, and in a way, the structure of the Soviet government had been extirpated.