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Spotlight on Stalin: The Divided Legacy of the “Man of Steel” with Vladimir Ivanov

Spotlight on Stalin: The Divided Legacy of the “Man of Steel” with Vladimir Ivanov


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Event Description:
Josef Stalin is viewed in the West as a bloody tyrant and mass murderer, yet he remains an extremely popular historic figure in today's Russia. Why? Before making a conclusion, this conversation will explore the life, career, and legacy of Josef Stalin. We’ll discuss his early career in the Bolshevik party, his fight against Trotsky after Lenin's death as well as the economic growth and political purges of the 1930s in the USSR. We’ll look at Stalin's role in World War II and the creation of the post-war world order. This is a fascinating seminar for anyone with an interest in biographies and Russian history.
Among political titans of the twentieth century, Joseph Stalin (1879-1853) has the most intriguing biography. Born in a peasants' family in the remote outskirts of the Russian Empire, he was educated as an Orthodox priest but became a professional revolutionary. Winning a severe struggle for the party leadership after Lenin's death, Stalin led the USSR in the harsh times of industrialization and WWII. As Winston Churchill presumably remarked, it was Stalin who “inherited Russia with a wooden plow, but left it in possession of atomic weapons”.
Was Stalin in favor of dividing Germany into two parts? What is the exact figure of his victims? Was he behind a deadly famine in the south of Russia? It is these questions and more, that we will seek to find answers for over the duration of this seminar, as we unpack just who Josef Stalin really was.
Led by a St Petersburg-based author and researcher of the Soviet arts, this interactive seminar aims at providing a historic background of Stalin: his biography, heritage, and myths about him. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased knowledge of the most controversial leader of Russia.

Holding an MA in Classics, Vladimir is a published author, exhibition curator, and acclaimed Context Tour Guide. He has made several guest appearances on podcasts with topics connected to the History of the Russian Revolution – as well as Photography.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
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T (Tempe, US)
X

Excellent lecture on a complex topic. Interesting to learn about Stalin’s early years and how that shaped him.

M
Marina Devine (Yellowknife, CA)
A Provocative Look At The Original Man of Steel

Another informative presentation from Mr. Ivanov, this time on a topic that is still controversial both inside and outside Russia- the life and legacy of Joseph Stalin. This one was really for people with more than a casual interest in Russian travel. For many of us, it was starling to realize that there are Russians who still venerate a man considered in the West as an evil dictator on par with Adolph Hitler. Vladimir deconstructed this image skilfully, yet with humility and genuine empathy for those whose families suffered from Stalin's crimes. I don't think one can understand contemporary Russian art and culture without this background.

J
Joanna NYC (New York, US)

Terrific hour and a half. Learned a nuanced view of Stalin - viewing him in different ‘context.’ Very effective guide with enthusiasm, humor and sensitivity.

J
Judy eebb (Belvedere Tiburon, US)
Ivanov stalin

I thought it was very good but I had trouble understanding him (his english is excellent but his accent made it difficult for me

A
Anonymous (Sisters, US)

One participant stated that she found the presentation more skewed than she anticipated. I totally agree and think it was more than skewed and verged on being a bit polemical, though in a pleasant manner. I would not recommend the presenter fir further historical commentary. He said he is a art historian and I would recommend that Context use his services for art history. My rating below is just based on this presentation. For others I have a totally opposite rating.

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
60%
(3)
20%
(1)
20%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
T
T (Tempe, US)
X

Excellent lecture on a complex topic. Interesting to learn about Stalin’s early years and how that shaped him.

M
Marina Devine (Yellowknife, CA)
A Provocative Look At The Original Man of Steel

Another informative presentation from Mr. Ivanov, this time on a topic that is still controversial both inside and outside Russia- the life and legacy of Joseph Stalin. This one was really for people with more than a casual interest in Russian travel. For many of us, it was starling to realize that there are Russians who still venerate a man considered in the West as an evil dictator on par with Adolph Hitler. Vladimir deconstructed this image skilfully, yet with humility and genuine empathy for those whose families suffered from Stalin's crimes. I don't think one can understand contemporary Russian art and culture without this background.

J
Joanna NYC (New York, US)

Terrific hour and a half. Learned a nuanced view of Stalin - viewing him in different ‘context.’ Very effective guide with enthusiasm, humor and sensitivity.

J
Judy eebb (Belvedere Tiburon, US)
Ivanov stalin

I thought it was very good but I had trouble understanding him (his english is excellent but his accent made it difficult for me

A
Anonymous (Sisters, US)

One participant stated that she found the presentation more skewed than she anticipated. I totally agree and think it was more than skewed and verged on being a bit polemical, though in a pleasant manner. I would not recommend the presenter fir further historical commentary. He said he is a art historian and I would recommend that Context use his services for art history. My rating below is just based on this presentation. For others I have a totally opposite rating.