Andrei Zhdanov

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Andrei Zhdanov

Role / Field:

Soviet politician, known for developing the cultural policy and the Zhdanov Doctrine.

Born:

1896-02-14

Died:

1948-08-31

Century / Era:

1896s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Foundations

Andrei Aleksandrovich Zhdanov (Russian: Андрей Александрович Жданов, IPA: [ɐnˈdrʲej ɐlʲɪkˈsandrəvʲɪdʑ ˈʐdanəf] ; 26 February [O.S. 14 February] 1896 – 31 August 1948) was a Soviet politician. He was the Soviet Union's "propagandist-in-chief" after the Second World War, and was responsible for developing the Soviet cultural policy, the Zhdanov Doctrine, which remained in effect until the death of Joseph Stalin. Zhdanov was considered Stalin's most likely successor but died before him.

Key Developments & Impact

Zhdanov joined the Bolsheviks in 1915 and quickly rose through the party ranks. A close associate of Stalin, he became a secretary of the Central Committee in 1934, and later that year he was promoted to Leningrad party chief following the assassination of Sergei Kirov. He would go on to play a major role during the Great Purge. In 1939, he was promoted to full membership of the Politburo and as head of the Central Committee's Propaganda Department. Zhdanov's political standing was undermined during the Second World War due to his association with the Soviet–Finnish War and the failed Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact.

Enduring Legacy

Nevertheless, he played a leading role in the Soviet takeover of Estonia and defense of Leningrad...

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1896 (1896-02-14): Birth of Andrei Zhdanov — Soviet politician, known for developing the cultural policy and the Zhdanov Doctrine.
2. 1915: 1915 Milestone — Zhdanov joined the Bolsheviks in 1915 and quickly rose through the party ranks.
3. 1934: 1934 Milestone — A close associate of Stalin, he became a secretary of the Central Committee in 1934, and later that year he was promoted to Leningrad party chief following the assassination of Sergei Kirov.
4. 1939: 1939 Milestone — In 1939, he was promoted to full membership of the Politburo and as head of the Central Committee's Propaganda Department.
5. 1948 (1948-08-31): Passing & Historical Legacy — Andrei Zhdanov passed away on 1948-08-31, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Andrei Zhdanov

“The cultural policy must ensure that art serves the needs of the proletariat and the Party.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Andrei Zhdanov

True or False: “Did Andrei Zhdanov survive Joseph Stalin to see the full implementation of his cultural doctrines?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Zhdanov was considered Stalin's most likely successor, but he died in 1948, before Stalin's death.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada — Contemporary (Born in 1896) (1896): Pioneering global spread of Krishna consciousness teachings and the Hare Krishna mantra.
• Alfonso Caso — Contemporary (Born in 1896) (1896): Pioneering Mexican archaeologist renowned for pre-Columbian studies.
• Alfred Nobel — Contemporary (Died in 1896) (1896): Pioneering chemist, inventor of dynamite, and founder of the Nobel Prizes.
• A. Wyatt Tilby — Contemporary (Died in 1948) (1948): British author, journalist, and traveler known for his writings on history and philosophy.
• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller — Contemporary (Died in 1948) (1948): American socialite and influential philanthropist, key patron of modern art.
• Abdullah Öcalan — Contemporary (Born in 1948) (1948): Founder of the militant Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and advocate for Kurdish rights.
• Abdul Qadir Gilani — Shared historical date (02-14 · Died) (1166): Founding figure of the Qadiriyya Sufi order, renowned mystic and jurist.
• Alan Parker — Shared historical date (02-14 · Born) (1944): Acclaimed English filmmaker known for genre versatility and numerous BAFTA and Golden Globe wins.
• Ada Yonath — Shared historical date (08-31 · Died) (2026): Pioneering crystallographer known for elucidating the structure and function of the ribosome.
• Adolphe Pégoud — Shared historical date (08-31 · Died) (1915): Pioneering French aviator and the first recorded fighter ace of World War I.
• 1896 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1896
• February 14 (02-14) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 14
• 1948 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1948
• August 31 (08-31) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 31

Frequently Asked Questions about Andrei Zhdanov