Emma, I really enjoyed your post! I loved all the resources you included. I didn’t know that the saxophone was banned in the USSR. The stilyagi are certainly a fascinating group!
Author: kschnabel
Comment on They Did Nazi That Coming… by kschnabel
You did a great job explaining all the factors that led to German defeat and Soviet victory in World War 11. I like that you drew parallels between Hitler and Tsar Nicolas! I also love your title! Nice job!
Comment on Germany’s Mistake is a Soviet Success by kschnabel
You did a nice job explaining how Germany’s mistakes benefited the USSR. The part about the weather was particularly interesting (and disturbing)! Nice job!
Comment on Smells Like A Cover Up by kschnabel
What a chilling event. It really illustrates how brutal Stalin’s regime was, and the lengths they went to conceal their crimes. Excellent post!
Comment on Collectivization by kschnabel
Nice post Bryan! I like the images you included, they really bring this issue to life. I agree that it is important to remember the brutality that was unleashed on the peasants, and to remember that many of them fought very hard to preserve their way of life.
Comment on In Russia, Champagne Drinks You by kschnabel
Nice post! I like how you contrasted the different methods of producing Champagne in France and in Russia. It is interesting how the mass produced method used in Russia could be seen as a contradiction to the symbol of glamour Champagne is associated with, but instead, it is seen as an achievement for the Russian population (or at least the manufacturers).
Comment on Central planning meets film: The censorship of a mass medium by kschnabel
I would agree that true art cannot be restricted. However in the case of Aleksandrov’s Happy-Go-Lucky Fellows, Aleksandrov was able to accomplish a great feat by creating the first Soviet musical. In this case, his film did not necessarily exist to spread a political message, instead it sought to create a humorous film with musical numbers that would appeal to a mass audience. On the other hand, Chapaev had a stronger political message and it is likely that the Soyukino played a larger role in the writing process.
Comment on Central planning meets film: The censorship of a mass medium by kschnabel
Thank you! My discussion of Happy-Go-Lucky Fellows was supposed to provide an example of a popular film that was not blatant propaganda.
Comment on Off With Their Heads! by kschnabel
Nice post! You brought up a lot of interesting points. Particularly, I liked when you said it was easier for the Red army to win, because they had a cause worth fighting for. I also found your part about the Komsomol to be very interesting.
Comment on One Venti Misogyny Latte with a Shot of Cynicism by kschnabel
Nice post! I really like all the photos you included and I love the title. You did a good job of displaying the frustrations many women experienced after they fought so hard in the revolution and still came out lacking the rights they deserved.
