Stalinist Russia (1928-1953)

1. Aims to build communist state • Review: What is a communist state? Stalinist Russia (1928-1953) • Begins by destroying his enemies (old Bolsheviks, Trotsky, etc.)

2. Develops a Police State • Police attack opponents with public force and behind the scenes • Great Purge: terror campaign against Stalin’s enemies (real and perceived) • By the end of 1938, Stalin has full control; 8-13 million dead

3. Russian Propaganda and Censorship • Government controls newspapers, radio, movies • Artists censored, controlled and used to glorify the Party • Education and Indoctrination • Government controls education and children learn virtues of Communist party • Challenges to the Party are punished

4. Religious Persecution • Attacks on the Russian Orthodox Church • Centuries old churches and synagogues destroyed and religious leaders killed • People lose personal right to religion

5. Stalin Seizes Control of Economy • New Economic System • Command economy: government makes all economic decisions • Five-Year Plans • Result in growth of industry but shortage of consumer goods

6. Agricultural Revolution • 1928, government creates collective farms (large, owned by state with aim of increasing food supply) • Peasants resist change; 5-10 million die in crackdown • By 1938 agricultural production rises

7. Daily Life in Stalinist Russia • Gains • Better educated citizens • new skilled laborers • Women are equal to men according to communists (forced to work but opportunity for education and professional positions) • Costs • Limited personal freedoms • Few consumer goods