- Controlled Society: The state exerted total control over all aspects of life, including education, employment, and private life.
- Culture of Fear: Citizens lived in constant fear of denunciation, arrest, or execution by the secret police (NKVD), leading to widespread paranoia.
- Propaganda: The state used propaganda to glorify Stalin, control public opinion, and instill loyalty to the regime.
- Censorship: Strict censorship of media, literature, and arts suppressed dissenting voices and promoted Soviet ideology.
- Education and Indoctrination: Education was heavily controlled, with curricula focused on communist ideology and the glorification of Stalin.
- Policies on Minorities: Stalin's policies targeted ethnic minorities, leading to forced deportations, repression, and attempts to Russify non-Russian populations.
- Persecution: Religious and ethnic minorities faced persecution, with many religious institutions closed and leaders arrested or executed.
- Impact on Families: Families were torn apart by purges, with many losing relatives to labor camps or executions.
- Social Mobility: Opportunities for social mobility were limited to those who demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Stalin and the Communist Party.
- Legacy of Trauma: The intense repression and violence left lasting psychological scars and a legacy of trauma in Soviet society.
List generated by ChatGPT