“Propaganda was not a major factor in Stalin’s maintenance of power between 1929 and 1953.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that propaganda was not a major factor in Stalin retaining power in the Soviet Union for 24 years. In challenging the statement some candidates may discuss the cult of personality with Stalin presented as Father of the People and Generalissimo during the Second World War. This emphasis on Stalin as a great figure who was leading the Soviet Union to prosperity, security and victory overshadowed other politicians thereby maintaining his dominance. In agreeing with the proposition, it could be argued that it was his dominance of the Communist Party and his willingness to use the party and the NKVD to purge potential rivals such as Kirov, the old Bolsheviks in the Show Trials and even war heroes such as Zhukov, that ensured his continuing in power. In the post-war period, Stalin was able to invoke Cold War tensions to reassert control. It may be argued that propaganda was a product of his power rather than a tool to maintain his position. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that propaganda was not a major factor in Stalin's maintenance of power between 1929 and 1953. This was a popular question. There were some very strong responses with in-depth knowledge of propaganda and the other methods used by Stalin to maintain his power; the various show trials and purges were often discussed as well as the Leningrad Affair and the Doctors' plot. Weaker candidates tended to focus on Stalin before 1929.