Andrei Zhdanov

Andrei Zhdanov was a prominent Soviet politician and cultural figure in the mid-20th century, best known for his role in shaping Soviet arts and culture. He served as a close ally of Joseph Stalin and was instrumental in promoting socialist realism, the official artistic style of the Soviet Union that emphasized positive themes and glorified the working class. Zhdanov was also involved in political purges and the establishment of party control over cultural expression. His influence peaked in the post-World War II era, but he died in 1948, leaving a lasting impact on Soviet cultural policies.