Compare and contrast of “Everyday Stalinism” by Sheila Fitzpatrick and “The Unknown Gulag by Lynne Viola”

Introduction

Sheila Fitzpatrick's Everyday Stalinism was written with the purpose of demonstrating what life was like for ordinary people living in urban Russia throughout the 1930s and it absolutely accomplishes its aim. Fitzpatrick provides a clear and detailed picture of the tumultuous decade and she does so in a format that is accessible to both the historical community and the public alike. The focus on the everyday lives of the masses of Russians as opposed to the political careers of Soviet leaders is refreshing and enlightening. Fitzpatrick consulted a broad range of primary and secondary sources, encompassing some only recently made accessible to historians, and while her book does not call into question the generally accepted view of the Stalinist period it is surely the most complete and authoritative account granted therefore far (Sheila, pp: 241).

While, on the other hand “The Unknown Gulag” is the story of the liquidation of the Kulaks - the stripping of an entire class from their homes, live and possessions - and the new 'special settlements' they were forced to construct from scratch while working as forced labor. The liquidation occurred in 1930s Russia when a group of peasant farmers and their families, totaling nearly two million, were regarded to be 'rural capitalists' and enemies of the state, often simply for having the trappings of success, no issue how limited (Lynne, pp: 111).

Discussion

Everyday Stalinism was written from the perspective of a Westerner with an obvious bias contrary to the Bolshevik Party. In commenting upon the origins of Stalinism in her introduction, Fitzpatrick makes no differentiation between the original Bolsheviks and the Stalinists. She speaks only of 'the regime' as if there were no change whatsoever in the composition, political direction or leadership ...