The “Propaganda Age”

Abstract

This article examines efforts to manage information in wartime Russia, with particular emphasis on revolutionary 1917. The author’s approach is informed by that of Western scholars, particularly Peter Holquist, using the term “surveillance” to discuss the modern state’s effort to mobilize its citizenry through information: gathering information about the population and enlightening the population through control of information. In 1917, the absence of civilian censorship aided the new authorities in learning much from the press, but the proliferation of press organs and worsening attitudes towards the war complicated their efforts to use the press to positively shape public opinion.