In the Soviet Union, the 1930’s were characterized by massive state-led transformations in agriculture, industry, and culture. The revolution in culture represented a shift away from aesthetic values that existed in the previous decade. This shift did not occur on its own, rather it was carefully implemented by the state. In 1930 the Soyukino, a …
Continue reading Central planning meets film: The censorship of a mass medium
Inside the Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (The Guardian) Speaking to prominent Soviet economists during the 1920’s Stalin lamented the shame that Russia had suffered at the hands of other countries. Shame brought on by “Japanese barons”, “Mongol khans” and British and French capitalists.[1] All of whom had bested Russia due to industrial, military … Continue reading The Magnitogorsk Experiment →
Speaking to prominent Soviet economists during the 1920’s Stalin lamented the shame that Russia had suffered at the hands of other countries. Shame brought on by “Japanese barons”, “Mongol khans” and British and French capitalists.[1] All of whom had bested Russia due to industrial, military and economic superiority. Resolving to never suffer such ignominy again,…
It was a period of great violence. The Great Terror held the Soviet society at its throat. Between the years of 1936 and 1938, three main show trials would occur. During each, high ranking Soviet intelligentsia, military officers, and government officials would meet swift judgment and execution. During this time, thousands of people were murdered […]
This week I decided to stay in the capital look for implications of the 30’s on the city today. On different days I will go to a different areas and look at a different topic varying from an economic perspective to a cultural perspective and a social perspective. My goal for this trip is find […]
One common theme that can be seen throughout Russian and Soviet history is the over arching feeling that they have something to prove to the western world. Whether that be that they are just as modern and advanced if not more so, or that they are also a power to be reckoned with in the … Continue reading Russian to Prove Something
Once the Bolsheviks were firmly in control and Stalin had established himself as the man in charge there came a great many changes to Russia during the 1920’s and 1930’s. One major problem Stalin had was the peasants. The majority of the peasants were not communist and often very distrustful of them and other outsiders. … Continue reading Collectivization
Aleksandr Deyneka (Alexander Deineka), most famous for his work as a Soviet realist painter, aids us in viewing Soviet culture as it changes dramatically from the October Revolution to the onset of World War II. Deyneka is a prominent figure head in the “art to the masses” movement in the 1920s, he creates mosaics for … Continue reading Art imitates reality. (We hope) →
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The picture above shows one of many propaganda posters promoting collectivization and collective farm work. The Soviet government enforced collectivization of its agricultural sector as this was part of the first five-year plan. Collectivization means consolidating individual landholdings and labor into collective farms, hence the term collectivization. In short, peasants had to give up their … Continue reading Blog 4 – 1929 Collectivization →
