1. Aim: Describe Stalin’s Goal of Transforming the Soviet Union into a Totalitarian State

2. Stalin Builds a Totalitarian State
Stalin aimed to create a perfect Communist state in Russia
Stalin planned to transform the Soviet Union into a Totalitarian state
Began by destroying his enemies (real & imaginary)
Stalin built a police state to maintain his power
Used tanks & armored cars to stop riots
Monitored telephone lines, read mail, & planted informers everywhere
Arrested & executed millions (8-13)
1937: Stalin launched the Great Purge
Campaign of terror directed at eliminating anyone who threatened his power
Stalin gained total control 2

3. Russian Propaganda & Censorship
Stalin’s government controlled all newspapers, motion pictures, radio, and other sources of information
Soviet newspapers & radio broadcasts glorified the achievements of communism
Under Stalin, the government controlled all education from nursery schools through the universities
School children learned the virtues of the Communist party 3

4. Religious Persecution
Communists aimed to replace religious teachings with the ideals of communism
The government and the League of the Militant Godless spread propaganda & attacked religion
League was an officially sponsored group of atheists
Religious beliefs were considered mere superstitions
The Russian Orthodox Church was the main target of persecution
Police destroyed churches & synagogues 4