Introduction

The level of personal freedom in the Stalinist and post-Stalinist USSR underwent significant shifts, influenced by the totalitarian policies implemented by Joseph Stalin and later relaxed somewhat under Nikita Khrushchev. This essay explores the changes in personal freedoms such as movement, property rights, and expression of opinion, alongside the evolving conditions in different Soviet regions and among various population groups.

Personal Freedom and Movement

Personal freedom in the USSR was primarily confined to individuals within certain groups, such as communal farm workers, soldiers, and former political criminals. These restrictions were further regulated by the bureaucratic state. After Stalin's death, there were gradual improvements, but the general level of personal freedom remained limited until the late 1980s.

Stalinist Era (1928-1953): During this period, millions of Soviet villagers remained under the restrictive conditions of serfdom. Movement between regions was heavily constrained, and the implementation of internal passports further restricted travel within the Soviet Union. The lack of personal freedom extended to the use of money for travel, with the introduction of 'трудодни' (work quota units) as a substitute for cash.

Post-Stalinist Era (1953-1989): Although some restrictions were lifted, personal freedom still faced numerous limitations. For instance, the availability of housing was often determined by one's position in the queue system (жилищная очередь), which could take years to satisfy. This system propagated inequalities and lack of choice, even in seemingly basic aspects of life such as obtaining a place to live or buy clothes for daily use.

Property Rights and Economic Conditions

The abolition of private property was a defining characteristic of both Stalinist and post-Stalinist USSR. The collectivization of agriculture and the nationalization of industry left individuals with little to no control over their means of production. Real estate and private enterprises were confiscated, reinforcing the state's dominance over economic life.

Food availability varied greatly between regions. For example, in Leningrad, food markets were highly restricted, with limited quantities of meat and meat products available. People often traveled significant distances to obtain these items, limiting their freedom of movement yet again. Such restrictions were not isolated incidents but were part of a broader system that sought to control every aspect of the citizen's life.

Expression of Opinion and Religious Freedom

Expression of Opinion: The suppression of political dissent was stark under Stalin. Individuals faced severe punishments for expressing anti-Soviet opinions through the Criminal Code Article 58, which often resulted in imprisonment. Even during Khrushchev's rule, this type of behavior was not entirely eradicated, as indicated by the continuation of such laws.

Religious Freedom: The state's stance on religious freedom was similarly restrictive. Under Lenin and Stalin, religious institutions were severely persecuted. The Russian Orthodox Church suffered heavily during the Great Purges, leading to the execution or imprisonment of thousands of clergy and the suppression of various religious practices. The Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church was prohibited, and Buddhism faced its own forms of suppression, with lamas often being accused of espionage.

After Stalin's death, there were notable improvements in both expression of opinion and religious freedom. However, these changes were gradual and did not immediately lead to a wide-scale increase in personal freedoms.

Conclusion

The personal freedom in the Stalinist and post-Stalinist USSR was a mixture of repressive policies and some gradual reforms. While there were significant changes in some areas, such as the easing of restrictions on religious freedoms, the basic structure of personal control remained in place. The experiences of different regions and population groups illustrated the diverse impact of these policies. The legacy of Stalinism continues to influence discussions about personal freedom and the role of the state in contemporary discussions about human rights.