From different locations in Moscow, Dr. Amanda Foreman explores the Soviet revolution and the introduction of communism into the USSR as a turning point for women’s rights.
The Bolshevik party sought to bring females out of the domestic sphere and into the public sphere as men’s equals.
Foreman joins a historian to look at vibrant propaganda posters from the Soviet government and how they aimed to promote female equality.
This is in stark contrast to the limited freedoms that women enjoyed under the tsarist government.
This short film is from the BBC Two series, The Ascent of Woman.
Teacher Notes
Pupils could compare soviet propaganda posters to British WWII propaganda posters encouraging women to help with the war effort.
Look for similarities such as the presentation of women as physically strong, and discuss why this sort of propaganda was necessary at this time. For example, Russia’s desire to industrialise, and Britain’s need for manual workers during the war.
Curriculum Notes
This short film is suitable for teaching history at KS3 and KS4/GCSE in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and Fourth Level and National 4 and 5 in Scotland.
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