This paper examines a unique phenomenon of the Soviet era — the use of agitationalpropaganda trains and steamers subsequent to the 1917 October Revolution. Given the militarypolitical situation at the time, the Bolsheviks, headed by V.I. Lenin, needed to have their statecraft agenda grounded in support from the wide masses of the nation’s peasantry and working class. The search for ways to distribute agitational leaflets, brochures, and books among members of the Red Army in as mobile a fashion as possible would result in the launch of literary-instructional trains and steamers. The paper offers an insight into the mechanics and practices behind the conduct of agitational work with local communities at the time. An attempt was made, based on the available statistical data, to identify the more common and effective propaganda techniques as well as the barriers in achieving the objectives for agitational vehicles. A noteworthy aspect touched upon in the paper is the Bolsheviks’ interest, in this context, in the tenets of Taylorism, which found reflection in their plans to employ cutting-edge technical means.
Source: Evgeniуa V. Kravtsova (2022). The Russian Agitational Trains and Steamers Sector in 1918–1920: Apparatus, Practices, Challenges, and Solutions. Propaganda in the World and Local Conflicts. 9 (1): 13–21
Source web-site: https://pwlc.cherkasgu.press/journals_n/1662119768.pdf
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