The Cult of Personality in the Soviet Union helped create a strong, controlling government by making leaders like Joseph Stalin seem very important. At the same time, it pushed away any ideas that opposed the government and spread the beliefs of the state.

1. Propaganda and Media Control:

   • The Soviet government used propaganda a lot to control the news and information. For example, by 1936, the newspaper "Pravda" and radio shows were important tools for showing Stalin's image and ideas.
   • About 90% of newspapers were owned by the government, so they had total control over what people read.

2. Public Imagery and Symbols:

   • Many posters, statues, and murals were made to show Stalin as a hero. In the 1930s, millions of posters were made to celebrate his achievements.
   • By 1939, there were five times more statues of Stalin than of Lenin in big cities.

3. Education and Youth Organizations:

   • The education system in the Soviet Union was changed to teach young people Stalin's ideas. The Komsomol, or Communist Union of Youth, had 10 million members by 1940, helping kids stay loyal to the government.

4. Suppression of Opposition:

   • The Cult created fear; those who disagreed faced serious punishments. During the Great Purge from 1936 to 1938, about 750,000 people were executed. This fear made it hard for other political ideas to exist and helped Stalin keep all the power.

In these ways, the Cult of Personality strengthened totalitarianism, blending the identity of the nation with Stalin's leadership.