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School
Pennsylvania State University *
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Course
143U
Subject
History
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by JudgeMetal13916
Reading Response form:
1.
Summarize this text in 5-10 sentences:
a.
In the "Hard Times" and "Family Problems" excerpts from her book, she describes the daily life of Soviet citizens during this period. She describes the Stalinist regime's policies and purges resulted in widespread poverty and food shortages, and the average person struggled to make ends meet. Despite these difficulties, the Soviet regime still maintained strict control over citizens' daily lives, and the secret police monitored all aspects of society. Along with that, she stated that family life was also affected by the state's policies, with parents often having to make difficult choices, such as sending children to work or joining the Communist Party to secure better living conditions. The two excerpts paint a picture of a society struggling to survive under a repressive regime, with people facing a constant balancing act between survival and loyalty to the state.
2.
Select 3-4 relevant details that strengthen the statements you made in your summary.
a.
The shortages of food and basic necessities led to a widespread system of rationing and black markets, where people had to resort to illegal and dangerous activities to secure basic necessities for their families.
b.
The fear of arrest and repression was ever-present, as the secret police could arrest
people for the slightest perceived transgression. This led to a culture of distrust, where even close friends and family members kept secrets from each other out of fear of being implicated in each other's misdeeds.
c.
The state's emphasis on communal living and collectivism eroded the traditional family structure, as parents often had to prioritize their loyalty to the state over their commitment to their family. Children were encouraged to report any "counter-revolutionary" behavior by their parents, leading to a breakdown in trust and communication within families.
d.
The emphasis on production and economic growth resulted in long working hours
and harsh working conditions, which left little time or energy for personal pursuits or leisure activities. This further contributed to the difficulties faced by Soviet citizens in their daily lives.
3.
Comment on what you have learned from this text – new information you have learned or
a new way of looking at history/science.
a.
From this text, one can learn about the everyday struggles faced by Soviet citizens
during the Stalinist era. The text provides a detailed and personal account of what life was like during this period, highlighting the difficulties faced by people trying
to survive in a society controlled by a repressive regime. The text also sheds light on the ways in which the state's policies and actions affected people's personal lives and relationships, from food shortages and economic hardship to the erosion
of the traditional family structure and the loss of trust and freedom. This text provides a unique and valuable insight into a critical period in modern history and
contributes to our understanding of the complexities of daily life under authoritarian rule.
4.
Come up with two questions about material that remains unclear that can be asked in class.
a.
Can you provide more context about the specific policies and actions of the Stalinist regime that contributed to the difficulties faced by Soviet citizens in their
daily lives?
b.
How did people cope with the hardships and repression they faced in their daily lives, and what role did their relationships and personal networks play in their survival during this period?
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