"Stalin's control of the USSR was achieved mainly through the use of terror." Do you agree? Explain your answer.

One of the ways which Stalin maintained his control over Russia was through terror. An example would be purges. This would ensure the removal of anyone who opposed him. This also applied to any rival who could be a threat to his position. For instance, when Kirov became more and more prominent in the party, he was assassinated. Thereafter, Stalin began to launch an attack on his opponents in the Communist Party. Thousands of party members were arrested and would be sent to labour camps. Some would be publicly denounced during show trials. In addition, the secret police was very active in spying on the people. Anyone caught or suspected of uttering anti-government or anti-Stalin statements would be arrested and sent to labour camps. Anyone opposing the will of the state would also be deported to the labour camps, as shown by the farmers who resisted collectivisation. All these soon created an atmosphere of fear, which made absolute obedience and loyalty to Stalin the only way to survive.

Another method of control was over culture, mainly in the areas of education and arts. This was done with the aim of controlling the perception the people would have towards Stalin and his government. This was most effective with regard to brainwashing the young people. The teaching of history focused on the roles of Lenin and Stalin. The existence of Stalin's opponents was either downplayed or totally erased. Both students and teachers were closely monitored in order to ensure total compliance in the teaching and learning of such content. Teachers would be purged if they taught otherwise. As for the arts, only positive images of Stalin and his programmes could be portrayed by the artists and writers. The cult of Stalin's personality also prevailed everywhere in the USSR. This was done by placing pictures and erecting statues of Stalin all over the country. The image of him was always portrayed positively such as being fatherly, cheerful, popular and intellectual. All these were aimed at influencing the people to worship him and thus, support him.

The third method relates to the economy. Through collectivisation and Five-Year Plans, most of the Russians were dependent on the state for their jobs and livelihood. This was reinforced with the imposition of strict rules in the collective farms and factories. Targets were set and harsh punishments were meted out to anyone who resisted these rules. With control over their livelihood, most Russians had no choice but to do as they were told.