Shostakovich's Contribution to Soviet Propaganda

In the year 1922, after a long and bloody civil war, the Soviet Union was officially formed. After World War II, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, USSR, established itself as one of the world’s superpowers, opposite of the United States of America. The Communist regime reigned over the Soviet Union until 1990, shortly before the Soviet Union collapsed and was formally dissolved in December of 1991. However, during that reign, many rules and regulations were imposed on all aspects of life, including music. Many musicians were denounced because their music did not conform to the Soviet regulations. Some fled the country. Others stayed to fight for the right to compose freely. Those who stayed had to walk a fine line, balancing their self-expression while conforming to the Soviet demands.

A Brief History of the Soviet Union

I. The Beginnings of the Soviet Union

In 1917, Russia was rocked by a series of revolutions, following the end of World War I. The country experienced great economic difficulties and famine, and the people became dissatisfied with the Tsarist rule. Tsar Nicholas II of the Romanov dynasty was abdicated, and on July 17th, he and his family, along with several servants were executed by the Bolsheviks.

During this time, Russia became embroiled in a long, bloody civil war, fought between the Bolshevik Red Army, founded by Vladimir Lenin and lead by Leon Trotsky, and the White Army, the anti-Bolshevik forces. On December 30, 1922, the Treaty on the Creation of the USSR was signed, and in 1923, the Bolsheviks finally emerged victorious over the White Army.

II. The Soviet Union Under the Iron Fist of Joseph Stalin

Joseph Stalin, a Georgian, was appointed General Secretary of the Communist Party of...

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