How Russian Nationalism was Presented in Soviet Second World War Propaganda

SOVIET RUSSIA PROPAGANDA: HOW RUSSIAN NATIONALISM WAS PRESENTED IN SOVIET SECOND WORLD WAR PROPAGANDA
Student's Name
Subject
Date
Introduction
The Soviet nationalist narrative during World War II was that Russia, its citizens, and USSR leadership were the heroic defenders of freedom and justice against the forces of fascism and oppression (Spechler, 2019). The Soviet Union was seen as the leader of an international campaign to defeat fascism and its allies in Europe, and Soviet nationalism was explicitly championed in propaganda materials and messaging. The Soviet Union invasion by the Nazi in 1941 was perceived as a particularly heinous act of aggression. Its representation in Soviet propaganda was often hyperbolic and sensationalised. The Soviet Union was portrayed as a courageous victim of Nazi aggression that would rise and fight against its oppressors (Rosenhaft, 1983). USSR used images of victorious Red Army soldiers and Soviet citizens in uniform to create a sense of pride in being part of a great struggle against fascism (Shin, 2015). Other national themes in Soviet propaganda included glorifying labour and the communists' commitment to social justice and equality.
Russians employed propaganda posters depicting workers toiling in the fields and factories to highlight the importance of hard work and the collective spirit of the Russians. The Soviet Union often contrasted with the representations of Nazi Germany. The latter was often portrayed as an authoritarian regime with an oppressive and exploitative social structure (Woolston, 1932). The overarching theme of Soviet war propaganda was that USSR was fighting for a more significant cause and leading the international effort against fascism and its allies. Victory over the Nazis was considered a vindication of the Soviet Union's values of freedom, justice, and equality (Laruelle, 2021). This narrative was further reinforced by the depiction of the country's leaders, such as Joseph Stalin and other top communists, as wise and capable individuals who were leading the Soviet Union to victory.
Soviet Propaganda During the Second World War
Propaganda was crucial in maintaining the Soviet Union as a totalitarian state. It provided the ideological framework for the government's decisions, actions, and policies (Adler et al., 1970). The purpose of Soviet propaganda was to create a unified, collectivist society and suppress dissent. The propaganda took many forms, from posters to radio broadcasts. The former were the most common form of propaganda and often featured themes of national pride, patriotism, and loyalty to the Communist Party (Kenez, 1985). Posters promoted Soviet achievements in the industry, science, and the military and featured heavy doses of Soviet symbols such as the hammer and sickle. They aimed to give people something to aspire to and to demonstrate the superiority of the Soviet system. Radio broadcasts were another important form of propaganda. They were used to relay news and events from the Soviet Union and worldwide and to propagate the ideas of communism and the Soviet system.
Radio programmes often featured dramatic stories, such as tales of heroic deeds performed by Soviet citizens or stories of people overcoming hardships under communism. In addition to posters and radio programmes, Soviet propaganda also took the form of books, magazines, and movies (Thompson, 1991). Propaganda books and magazines featured stories or essays about the greatness of the Soviet Union and the triumph of Communism and Marxist-Leninist doctrine. Movies similarly highlighted stories of heroic citizens or tales of collective struggle and eventual triumph over adversity. Ultimately, Soviet propaganda was a powerful tool in maintaining control over citizens and moulding public opinion supporting the Communist Party (Overy, 1998). It effectively created an ideological framework that guided citizens in their daily lives and helped to legitimise the government's decisions, policies, and actions.
Soviet propaganda during World War II sought to promote Russian nationalism. It presented the USSR as a unified and indomitable nation led by a heroic Stalin and devoted to preserving the motherland against the forces of fascism (Lak, 2014). Posters of the era depicted the Soviet population, both soldiers and civilians, as a unified, committed, and patriotic force. Portrayals of the war focused on the heroism and determination of the Soviet people in the face of hardship and their commitment to the cause of victory (Dimova, 2016). In addition to emphasising people's unity, Soviet propaganda also stressed the importance of Soviet values and culture.
The propaganda depicted Russia as a unified nation with a shared history and culture, transcending language and dialect (Laruelle, 2009). This emphasis was intended to foster a sense of national pride and loyalty to the Soviet cause. Finally, Soviet propaganda sought to define Soviet Union's enemies in terms of a clash of civilisations. The population was presented with an image of fascism as an evil, murderous force intending to destroy Russian culture and values. By doing so, the propaganda sought to generate a sense of resentment and fear of the enemy and foster an increased commitment to the Soviet cause. Overall, Soviet Second World War propaganda aimed to associate Russian nationalism with loyalty to the Soviet cause by presenting the population as a unified and heroic nation committed to defending the motherland against the forces of fascism (Ulam, 2019).
Themes of the Soviet Propaganda in the 2nd World War
Soviet propaganda during World War II had several primary themes used by Russians to rally and motivate the Soviet people to fight against the Nazis. First, the theme of "the Great Patriotic War" was central to the Soviet propaganda machinery. Russians used this idea to evoke a sense of national pride and a commitment to defending the Soviet Union's freedom. Posters, slogans, and artworks that celebrated the unity and strength of the Soviet people were widely disseminated. This theme also emphasised that the war was a matter of defence, not aggression. Second, the theme of "heroic resistance" was critical in Soviet propaganda (MAY JR, 1957). The regime sought to promote the heroism of individuals who fought bravely against the Nazis and those who showed great courage in the face of adversity. Posters depicted individuals such as aviators, snipers, and tank commanders as brave heroes who were defending their homeland. The theme of "national unity" was another essential element of Soviet propaganda during the war. Propaganda posters urged the Soviet Union citizens to unite against the common enemy and to collaborate to achieve victory. Another slogan associated with this theme was "Victory or Death," which emphasised the importance of unity and commitment to a common cause.
Finally, "international solidarity" was frequently employed in Soviet propaganda during World War II. The regime intended to encourage the Soviet Union citizens to reach out to other nations and join together in a common cause against fascism (Lasswell, 1951). Posters and artwork often depicted the war as part of a global struggle against tyranny and the Soviet people as part of this common struggle. Examples of artwork that point to these themes can be seen in various posters, paintings, and sculptures. The famous "Motherland Calls" sculpture in Volgograd is an example of artwork that emphasises the idea of heroic resistance. Other notable examples include paintings such as "The Defence of Petrograd" and "Victory Banner Over the Reichstag," which depict the power of the Soviet people in their struggle against the Nazis. Artifacts from this period, such as medals, flags, and uniforms, also serve as pieces that symbolise the themes of Soviet propaganda during World War II.
The Russian Nationalism in Soviet Military Propaganda in the Second World War
Russian nationalism was a powerful and pervasive force within the Soviet Union and its armed forces during World War II. The Soviet military was a multi-ethnic fighting force, but Soviet propaganda throughout the war focused heavily on the superiority of Russian culture and its ability to repel Nazi aggression (Hughes, 1993). It was particularly true for the Red Army, which was seen as the symbol of the Soviet people's struggle for freedom. The Soviet Union's propaganda machine sought to tap into the powerful emotions of patriotism, loyalty, and solidarity among its people during the war. The propaganda reinforced ideas of the Soviet Union's strength and superior military prowess, as well as its unshakable commitment to the cause of communism. At the same time, it sought to associate the Soviet Union with Russian nationalism and its proud heritage. Images of heroic Russian soldiers, national monuments, and proud Russian culture were featured in posters, newspapers, and radio broadcasts.
The Soviet Union used the Red Army to promote Russian nationalism and its proud heritage. The Red Army was portrayed as brave, patriotic defenders of the Soviet people. They were presented as the embodiment of the Soviet Union's belief in its strength and determination to win the war (Tuminez, 2003). Emphasis was placed on the role of Red Army soldiers as Russian heroes, standing up for the nation and sacrificing their lives for the cause. The Soviet Union's use of Russian nationalism in its wartime propaganda was a powerful tool to rally its citizens behind the cause (Polegkyi, 2016). It provided a powerful narrative of patriotism and national pride while reinforcing the idea that the USSR was a great nation capable of defeating Nazi aggression. This narrative effectively united the people and motivated them to fight for the Soviet Union.
The Soviet government sought to use nationalism to garner support for its war efforts and to create an image of a unified Soviet people. The government presented USSR as a defender of the Russian people and their culture. It emphasised Russian nationhood and patriotism in its propaganda, associating the war with a struggle for the "preservation of the Fatherland" (Wolfe, 2006). This sentiment was conveyed in posters that featured heroic Russian soldiers and symbols of Russian culture, with slogans such as "For the Motherland" and "For Glory and Honour" (Shneer, 2013). The government also sought to emphasise the Russian people’s role in the war effort. Propaganda posters featured images of Soviet Union individuals working together to achieve victory. It combined the idea of the Russian people being unified and strong with slogans such as "All For One, Victory for All" and "Russia Will Conquer." The Soviet Union also presented itself as a symbol of Russian resilience, with the slogan "We Shall Overcome" becoming a famous rallying cry for the war effort. It was accompanied by images of the Soviet people overcoming their enemies and the hardships of the war.
In addition, the government sought to emphasise the Soviet Union’s role as a leader in the fight against fascism. It highlighted its role as a defender of freedom and justice, with posters depicting the USSR as a defender of peace and liberty. This was coupled with images of heroic Russian soldiers fighting fascism and liberating the people of Europe. Russian nationalism was a significant theme in Soviet Second World War propaganda (Goodman, 1960). The government sought to emphasise the role of the Soviet Union as the defender of the Russian people and their culture while also stressing its role as a leader in the fight against fascism. These themes served to r...