Explain the effects of the cult of Stalin on the Soviet Union (8 marks).

 Stalin’s cult of personality emerged after extravagant 50^th birthday celebration for him after December 1929 and centred around the promotion of Stalin’s image and policies through propaganda. One effect of the cult was the elevation Stalin personal image; he was portrayed as the omniscient and omnipotent ruler of Russia. Through a series of pictorial propaganda, he portrayed himself as the Father of the Soviet Union with his subjects as ‘his children’. This was significant his establishment of authoritarian control because this was only achievable when the public believed in him. Therefore, it can be argued that the promotion of his image is a significant effect of the cult because it facilitated his totalitarian rule in constituting his positon as ruler of the Soviet Union.
A further effect of the cut of Stalin was the galvanisation of support for his policies, both foreign and domestic.  To have belief in your leader’s image is a somewhat superficial base of support, however in supporting his policies, Stalin could truly cement his power. His industrial reforms and ability to protect the Soviet Union from another attack were a particular focus of the cult. This therefore showed Stalin to not only be the protector of his people, but also a leader who had the strives his people at heart. Hence this shows an effect of the cult of Stalin to be one that escalated support for his policies.  Therefore, it can be seen that the cult of Stalin bears significance both in the promotion of his personal imagine and in mustering support for his policies – two consequences that consolidated his position as ruler of the Soviet Union.