Anti U.S. Propaganda in the Soviet Union

Anti U.S. Propaganda in

the Soviet Union

By: Laura Minkiwitz & Jaimie Olle

Tension builds between the Soviet Union and the United States

• Stalin saw U.S. aid in rebuilding of Germany as a political threat• The U.S. was angered when Stalin refused to allow free

elections in the Soviet Union along with the imposition of communism

• U.S. felt threatened by the Soviet expansionists' policy• Soviet Union felt a growing fear of incursion from the West• Cuban Missile Crisis• Soviet involvement in Afghanistan• Berlin Wall

Causes:

Main Focuses of the Soviet Union’s Propaganda Aimed at

the United States

-International Involvement-Spying and Espionage-Capitalism Vs. Communism-Nuclear and Weapon Development

International Involvement

“Here again blood and oil is being poured.”

-Represented the Soviet distaste for American involvement in foreign affairs.

-Portrayed the idea that the U.S. was only out for blood and money. There was no intent of good will motivating their participation in other nations’ affairs.

-Shows older women dressed as men, identifying the fact that all citizens were involved not just the soldiers.

International Involvement (continued)

“Fear of us vital interests.”

-U.S. army had a hold on the entirety of the world.

-The Soviet Union, however, was not touched by the belt therefore concluding their freedom from US influence.

-Belt is not just resting but constricting the globe as if to show that the U.S. was not just present but had a major effect on the locations it inhabited.

International Involvement(continued)

“We’re with you Vietnam.”

-Obviously shows that the Soviet Union sides with Vietnam and disapproved of American involvement in their dispute.

-Fist represents the Soviet power, as well as showing their backing of Vietnam.

-Pictures at the bottom represent aspects of Vietnam and what exactly was being fought for.

Spying & Espionage

“Provocation.”

-Relates the idea that the U.S. was not only spying but also attempting to instigate conflict and confrontation.

-Sailor’s outfit represents the U.S. as somewhat of a joke. The clothes communicate that they can’t be taken seriously.

-The Soviet Union is also inferring that the U.S. didn’t have the guts to actually attack, instead merely sat off shore.

Spying & Espionage(continued)

“Don’t blab, strictly keep the military secrets.”

-This image came out in response to American spy efforts. Soviets were prepared to take extreme precautions to safeguard their intelligence.

-The Soviet leaders fostered paranoia in order to keep societal support.

Spying & Espionage(continued)

-Clearly demonstrated the Soviet Union shooting down U.S. planes, that were potentially spying upon Russian activities.

-Showed the strength of the Soviet Union and the fact that they were ready to face war if necessary.

Capitalism

“Same weather, different year.”

-The level of the Soviet thermometer is higher than the U.S. in other words saying that communism is a more productive means of economy verses capitalism.

-The statement at the bottom infers that the Soviet Union had always been better than the U.S. in production among other things.

Capitalism(continued)

“Capitalists of the world unite.”

-Essentially capitalists will profit while the rest of the world suffers.

-U.S. is being flanked by Britain and France representing the traditional nation alliances.

-These major capitalist countries are shown sitting around as obese money sacks while the citizens of the world lay naked beneath them.

Capitalism(continued)

-This drawing demonstrates the U.S. and NATO allies making money off of the war efforts.

-Illustrates the Soviet Union’s perception that the U.S. used NATO as a platform for national gain.

Nuclear & Weapon Development

-The pentagon is essentially being ridden as a unicycle, therefore making it a joke as well as the U.S. government in general.

-The performer is also juggling missiles, as if saying that they don’t take seriously the effects of nuclear war fare as they have become masters of the trade. Such things are simple for them.

-The man depicted is obviously made out to be some sort of circus performer or comical entertainer, therefore insinuating that the U.S. can’t be taken seriously.

Nuclear & Weapon Development

(continued)

“Russia wants to stop nuclear testing.”

-Makes U.S. look heartless, as they are still working with nuclear technology while the Soviets proclaimed to have stopped.

-It also appears that the U.S. is over extended. They are trying to set off more bombs than physically possible.

Nuclear & Weapon Development

(continued)

“To fly higher than all, farther than all, faster than all.”

-Soviet Union weapons and war technology will always trump the U.S.

-The stars represent the number of kills a pilot has. The large number on this plane show that the Soviets are not afraid to use weapons, and is therefore a testament to Russian bravery.

-The slogan and fleet of planes infers the superiority of Soviet aviation.

Patriotism & Self-Promoting

-The man is considerably large which essentially conveys the massive command the Soviet Union wished to have not only on its own citizens but also the people of the world.

-Displayed the explicit message of power. Void of any words other than “Lenin” to ensure that its meaning could be understood by all.

Patriotism & Self-Promoting(continued)

“People and the party are undivided.”

-This image appeared three days after Lenin’s death. Proved that it doesn’t matter who the leader is, the party would remain united and strong.

-Showed that the majority of the Soviet Union had no doubts about Communism. Instilled in those who were unsure, the need to join.

Patriotism & Self-Promoting(continued)

“If you want to be like me, just train.”

-There existed a large rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union when it came to the Olympics.

-The picture in general promotes the strength of the young men in nation.

-This image encouraged the Soviet youth to continue the prosperous regime which was currently being carried out.

Propaganda in Film-Portrays the communists and Soviets as nightingales while the U.S. is represented by the magpie.

-One of the most popular clips was entitled “Someone Else’s Voice.”

-The magpie insists that the methods of singing and living held by the nightingales is rather out dated and needs to be revived.

-Meant to demonstrate the U.S. interference in the Soviet Union’s affairs and their promotion of communism.