Final answer:
Soviet nationalism uniquely combined the promotion of ethnic identities with communist ideology to foster unity and loyalty among its diverse population. Soviet propaganda played a significant role in shaping societal values, and the strategic creation of republics along ethnic lines influenced national identities. Ultimately, it represented a pragmatic approach to maintain control and advance the Soviet agenda.
Step-by-step explanation:
Soviet nationalism was a unique form of civic identity that the Soviet Union promoted among its diverse population. While the official political ideology of Marxism-Leninism aimed to eliminate class differences and usher in a true communist society, the USSR experienced economic struggles and lower living standards compared to the West. Moreover, though ostensibly against imperialism, the Soviet Union maintained tight control over the Eastern Bloc countries following World War II. Soviet propaganda, including posters, played a crucial role in shaping societal values, emphasizing atheism, egalitarianism, and collective welfare over individual satisfaction.
Another aspect of Soviet nationalism was the creation of Soviet Socialist Republics (SSRs) based on ethnic lines, which enhanced some national identity constructions while undermining others. These Soviet republics had limited autonomy, often dictated by the centralized government in Moscow. It wasn't until the USSR's dissolution in 1991 that these republics were able to claim independence based on the national identities that had been fostered during Soviet rule.
Overall, Soviet nationalism was characterized by promoting a blend of ethnic identities with the overarching goal of fostering unity and loyalty to the communist ideology, often by pragmatic and strategic means rather than genuine nationalistic sentiment.