What was the official symbol of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) adopted in 1923 and used until its dissolution?

The official symbol of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was the State Emblem of the Soviet Union. It was adopted in 1923 and remained in use until the dissolution of the state in 1991.

Is the State Emblem of the Soviet Union technically a coat of arms, and what is its Russian name?

Although technically an emblem rather than a coat of arms because it does not follow traditional heraldic rules, in Russian it is called 'gerb' (герб), the word typically used for a traditional coat of arms. This reflects a common practice in socialist states where national symbols might not adhere strictly to Western heraldic conventions.

In which article of the 1936 Constitution of the USSR was the State Emblem recorded?

The State Emblem was recorded in Article 143 of the 1936 Constitution of the USSR.

Describe the main elements depicted in the State Emblem of the Soviet Union.

The emblem features a hammer and sickle against the background of a terrestrial globe, illuminated by the rays of the sun. It is encircled by ears of grain (wheat) tied with a red ribbon. At the top, there is a five-pointed red star with a yellow border. The red ribbon bears the inscription "Proletarians of all countries, unite!" in the languages of the union republics.

What does the hammer and sickle symbolize in the Soviet emblem?

The hammer and sickle are traditional Soviet symbols representing the unity of the working class (hammer) and the peasantry (sickle), signifying the alliance between these two major social groups in the Soviet state.

What does the terrestrial globe symbolize in the State Emblem of the Soviet Union?

The terrestrial globe in the emblem symbolizes the international nature of the Soviet state, suggesting that access to the Union was open to all states of the world and reflecting its global aspirations.

What is the inscription found on the red ribbon of the Soviet emblem, and in what languages was it written?

The inscription on the red ribbon is the revolutionary slogan "Proletarians of all countries, unite!". It was originally written in the languages of the union republics, with the number of languages changing over time as the composition of the USSR evolved.

What is the significance of the five-pointed red star at the top of the emblem?

The five-pointed red star is a prominent symbol of communism and socialism, representing the unity of the proletariat across the five continents, and serving as a key emblem of the Soviet state and its political ideology.

What style of heraldry does the State Emblem of the Soviet Union represent, and where else can this style be seen?

The State Emblem of the Soviet Union was the first state insignia created in the style known as socialist heraldry. This style was also adopted by other socialist countries, such as the emblems of East Germany and the People's Republic of China.

When did the Commission for the Development of Soviet Symbolics begin its work, and what was its initial focus?

The Commission for the Development of Soviet Symbolics commenced its work in the autumn of 1922 at Goznak, an organization responsible for producing currency and state symbols. Initially, its focus was on creating compositions for the first Soviet stamps and banknotes.

What key elements were defined by the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the USSR for the state symbols in January 1923?

On January 10, 1923, the Presidium of the CEC established a commission for the state emblem and flag. They defined the main elements to be included: the sun, the sickle and hammer, and the motto "Proletarians of all countries, unite!".

Who was the artist whose idea formed the basis of the Soviet emblem, and who proposed the inclusion of the globe?

Vasily Korzun was the artist whose idea, centered around a hammer and sickle hovering over a globe, became the basis for the emblem. The cartographer Vladimir Adrianov originally proposed the idea of placing a globe on the emblem.

Who refined the design of the Soviet emblem, and who suggested adding a red star at the top?

The young artist Ivan Dubasov was invited to participate in refining the emblem's design. Avel Yenukidze, the Secretary of the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee, suggested replacing the monogram "USSR" with a red star at the top of the emblem.

When was the first version of the State Emblem of the USSR officially accepted, and when was it completed?

The project for the first version of the state emblem was accepted by the Central Executive Committee (CIK) on July 6, 1923, and the final version was completed on September 22 of the same year.

According to the 1924 Soviet Constitution, how many languages were represented on the emblem's ribbon, and which ones were they?

The 1924 Soviet Constitution stated that the emblem featured the motto "proletarians of the world, unite!" in six languages: Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, Armenian, Azerbaijani, and Georgian. The emblem also included a five-pointed star at the top.

How did the emblem change in 1931, and why?

The emblem was updated in 1931 to include the Tajik language in the Persian alphabet, following the formation of the Tajik SSR in 1929. Additionally, the Azerbaijani language began to be written in the Latin alphabet, and the slogan also covered the Uzbek and Turkmen SSRs, which used Turkic languages.

What significant change occurred in the emblem's design with the second version (1936-1946), and why?

The second version, reflecting the 1936 Soviet Constitution, featured eleven ribbons bearing the USSR State Motto in eleven languages. This change was necessary because the USSR then consisted of eleven constituent republics, and the languages of some republics, like Tajik, were updated due to script reforms.

What territorial and administrative changes led to the third version of the emblem (1946-1956)?

Following territorial annexations and the formation of new republics between 1939 and 1940, the Soviet Union effectively had 16 constituent republics. The emblem was updated after World War II to reflect this, with the state motto inscribed on 16 ribbons in 16 languages.

Which languages were added to the emblem in the third version (1946-1956), and what script changes occurred?

The third version added languages from newly annexed republics: Finnish and Romanian (written as 'Moldovan'). Lithuanian, Latvian, and Estonian were also included. Inscriptions in Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, Turkmen, and Uzbek were updated due to the transfer of these languages from Latin to Cyrillic script.

What was a notable asymmetry in the third version of the Soviet emblem (1946-1956)?

The third version of the emblem was not symmetrical: it featured a Russian ribbon in the center, with eight ribbons on the left side and seven ribbons on the right side.

What event prompted the change from the third to the fourth version of the Soviet emblem (1956-1991)?

The Karelo-Finnish SSR was demoted to the Karelian ASSR and became part of the Russian SFSR in 1956. This change was reflected on the USSR state emblem by removing the ribbon bearing the motto in Finnish.

When was the Finnish ribbon removed from the Soviet emblem, and what other minor change occurred in 1958?

The Finnish ribbon was removed by a decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on September 12, 1956. A minor change was made to the Belarusian inscription on April 1, 1958.

How many languages were represented on the ribbons of the final version of the Soviet emblem (1956-1991)?

The final version of the Soviet emblem, used from 1956 to 1991, featured the state motto in 15 languages, as the Finnish ribbon had been removed.

What happened to the Soviet emblem on banknotes and passports after the dissolution of the USSR?

The Soviet emblem continued to appear on Soviet ruble banknotes until 1994. Soviet passports featuring the emblem were formally ceased to be issued in 2002 by Russia and other former republics.

How were the emblems of individual Soviet Republics related to the State Emblem of the USSR?

Each Soviet Republic (SSR) and Autonomous Soviet Republic (ASSR) had its own coat of arms, which was largely modeled after the design and symbolism of the main State Emblem of the Soviet Union.

What is depicted on the State Emblem of the Soviet Union as seen on the building of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2011?

The image shows the Soviet state emblem with 16 ribbons present, indicating it is likely the third version (1946-1956) or a representation thereof, featuring the hammer and sickle, globe, sun, wheat ears, and the motto in multiple languages.

What is the meaning of the inscription "Proletarians of all countries, unite!" in the context of the Soviet emblem?

This slogan is a call for international solidarity among the working class, urging workers worldwide to unite in their struggle against capitalism and for socialist revolution. It was a core tenet of Marxist-Leninist ideology and a central message of the Soviet state.

When was the State Emblem of the Soviet Union first adopted, and what was its final version's period of use?

The State Emblem of the Soviet Union was first adopted on July 6, 1923. The final version, with 15 ribbons, was used from September 12, 1956, until the dissolution of the USSR on December 26, 1991.

What specific elements were present in the rejected proposals by Goznak artists for the Soviet emblem?

The rejected proposals by Goznak artists generally eschewed the conservative layout of European heraldry, particularly the use of shields. Instead, their designs often drew inspiration from the poster tradition prevalent in the early 1920s, incorporating Soviet symbolism in a more modern, graphic style.

What was the significance of the 'independent' republics formed in 1940 in relation to the Soviet emblem?

The formation of the Karelo-Finnish SSR and the incorporation of the Baltic states and Bessarabia (forming the Moldovan SSR) increased the number of constituent republics. Although the emblem was not immediately updated, this expansion eventually led to the third version (1946-1956) which represented 16 republics.

How did the script reforms in certain Soviet republics affect the emblem?

Script reforms, such as the transition from Latin to Cyrillic for languages like Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, Turkmen, and Uzbek, necessitated updates to the inscriptions on the emblem's ribbons to reflect the new orthography.

What does the image on the cover of a 1974 Soviet passport represent?

The image on the cover of a 1974 Soviet passport features the State Emblem of the Soviet Union, symbolizing the authority and identity of the state issuing the document.

What is the meaning of the term 'gerb' in the context of the Soviet emblem?

In Russian, 'gerb' (герб) is the term used for a traditional coat of arms. Although the Soviet emblem did not strictly follow heraldic rules, it was referred to as 'gerb' in Russian, highlighting its function as the primary national symbol.

What was the role of Ivan Dubasov in the creation of the Soviet emblem?

Ivan Dubasov was a young artist invited to refine the emblem's design. He redrew the successful proposal, and his first draft featured slogans on a ribbon covering the lower part of the emblem, which was later modified to include mottos on tape interceptions.

What specific territorial change in 1956 led to a modification of the Soviet emblem?

The demotion of the Karelo-Finnish SSR into the Karelian ASSR and its subsequent integration into the Russian SFSR in 1956 led to the removal of the Finnish language inscription from the emblem's ribbon.

What does the gallery of images associated with the State Emblem of the Soviet Union illustrate?

The gallery showcases various applications and historical representations of the Soviet emblem, including its appearance on banknotes from different periods (1923, 1932), postage stamps (1946), monuments (like the Motherland monument in Kyiv), official buildings (Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and official documents (Soviet passport).

When was the State Emblem of the Soviet Union officially relinquished?

The State Emblem of the Soviet Union was officially relinquished on December 26, 1991, coinciding with the dissolution of the state itself.

What does the phrase 'socialist heraldry' imply in the context of the Soviet emblem?

Socialist heraldry refers to a style of national symbols developed in socialist states that, while often incorporating elements like stars, hammers, sickles, and agricultural motifs, diverged from the strict rules and traditions of European heraldry, emphasizing political ideology and national identity over historical lineage.

What was the purpose of the commission established in January 1923 regarding Soviet symbols?

The commission was established to develop the state emblem and flag of the USSR. It defined key elements like the sun, hammer and sickle, and the revolutionary motto, laying the groundwork for the visual identity of the new Soviet state.

How did the number of languages on the ribbon of the Soviet emblem evolve over time?

The number of languages on the ribbon evolved with the political and administrative changes in the USSR. It started with six languages in the first version (1923-1931), increased to seven in 1931, then to eleven by 1936, expanded to sixteen by 1946, and finally settled at fifteen after the removal of the Finnish inscription in 1956.

What is the significance of the wheat ears encircling the globe in the Soviet emblem?

The ears of wheat symbolize agriculture and the prosperity of the collective farming system, representing the crucial role of the peasantry and the agricultural sector in the Soviet economy and state.

What does the presence of the sun's rays behind the hammer and sickle suggest?

The sun's rays often symbolize enlightenment, progress, and the dawn of a new era. In the context of the Soviet emblem, they likely represent the bright future promised by communism and the illumination of the world by the socialist revolution.

What was the function of the State Emblem of the Soviet Union?

The State Emblem of the Soviet Union served as the official symbol of the USSR, representing its sovereignty, ideology, and national identity on official documents, currency, buildings, and state insignia.

What does the image on the Central Telegraph building in Moscow, opened in 1927, represent?

The image on the Central Telegraph building in Moscow represents an early design of the Soviet emblem by an unknown author, showcasing the emblem's presence in public architecture shortly after its official adoption.

How did the Soviet emblem reflect the multi-ethnic nature of the USSR?

The emblem reflected the multi-ethnic nature of the USSR primarily through the inscription of the motto "Proletarians of all countries, unite!" in the languages of the various union republics, signifying the unity of diverse peoples under the banner of international socialism.

What is the meaning of the term 'armiger' in relation to the State Emblem of the Soviet Union?

In the context of the State Emblem of the Soviet Union, 'armiger' refers to the entity that bears or is represented by the emblem. In this case, the armiger was the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics itself.

What does the phrase "Workers of the world, unite!" signify on the emblem?

This phrase is a direct translation of the international socialist slogan 'Proletarians of all countries, unite!' It serves as a powerful statement of the Soviet Union's commitment to international workers' solidarity and its role as a leader of the global socialist movement.

When was the last version of the State Emblem of the Soviet Union adopted?

The fourth and final version of the State Emblem of the Soviet Union was adopted on September 12, 1956.

What is the significance of the emblem being recorded in the 1936 Soviet Constitution?

Recording the emblem in the constitution formalized its status as a fundamental state symbol, legally defining its appearance and significance within the framework of the Soviet state's foundational law.

How did the emblem's design evolve to represent the changing number of Soviet Republics?

The emblem's design evolved primarily through the number of ribbons and languages used for the motto. As new republics were formed or existing ones reorganized, the number of ribbons on the emblem was adjusted to reflect the current composition of the USSR, most notably in 1936 (11 republics) and 1946 (16 republics).

State Emblem Of The Soviet Union Wiki: The Soviet Emblem: A Symbol of Ideology and Statehood

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

The Emblem of the USSR: A Defining Symbol

Official State Symbol

The State Emblem of the Soviet Union served as the official symbol of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) from its adoption in 1923 until the state's dissolution in 1991. While technically an emblem rather than a traditional heraldic coat of arms, it was referred to as a "gerb" in Russian, signifying its status as the primary national insignia.

Adoption and Duration

The initial design was adopted on 6 July 1923, with subsequent revisions reflecting the evolving political landscape and the number of constituent republics. The final version remained in use until the dissolution of the Soviet Union on 26 December 1991.

Socialist Heraldry

This emblem was a pioneering example of "socialist heraldry," a style that diverged from traditional European heraldic conventions. It prioritized symbolic representation of communist ideology and state structure over historical lineage or aristocratic symbolism, influencing emblems in other socialist nations.

Chronicle of Change: Emblem Evolution

Genesis of the Emblem

The process of creating the emblem began in the autumn of 1922, with a commission tasked with developing Soviet symbolism. Key elements—the sun, sickle and hammer, and the motto "Proletarians of all countries, unite!"—were defined early on. Artists from Goznak and independent designers submitted proposals, with Vasily Korzun's concept of a hammer and sickle over a globe becoming foundational. Ivan Dubasov played a significant role in refining the final design.

Design Principles

The commission established core principles for the emblem: representing the unity of workers and peasants, reflecting the state's internationalist character, signifying openness to global solidarity, and prominently featuring the revolutionary motto. Rejected proposals often adhered too closely to classical heraldry, which was deemed unsuitable for the new socialist state.

Key Design Elements

The emblem prominently features:

A hammer and sickle, symbolizing the union of industrial workers and agricultural peasants.
A terrestrial globe, representing the international scope of the communist movement and the USSR's place in the world.
Sun rays, symbolizing the dawn of a new era and the spread of socialist ideals.
Ears of wheat, signifying agricultural prosperity and the labor of the peasantry.
A red ribbon bearing the motto "Workers of the world, unite!" in the languages of the constituent republics, underscoring its internationalist message.
A five-pointed red star at the top, a universal symbol of communism and socialist unity.

Visualizing the Ideology: Key Components

Hammer and Sickle

This iconic symbol, representing the alliance between the proletariat (hammer) and the peasantry (sickle), is central to the emblem. It signifies the foundation of the Soviet state upon the unity and labor of these two classes.

The Globe and Sun

The depiction of the globe, often shown in rays of the sun, symbolizes the global aspirations of the communist revolution and the USSR's role as a beacon for international workers. The sun's rays suggest enlightenment and the dawning of a new socialist age.

Wheat and Motto

Surrounding the globe are ears of wheat, representing the agricultural wealth and the labor of the collective farms. The red ribbon entwined with the wheat bears the famous Marxist slogan, "Workers of the world, unite!", translated into the languages of the USSR's republics, underscoring its internationalist message.

The Red Star

Positioned at the apex of the emblem, the five-pointed red star is a potent symbol of communism, socialism, and the international solidarity of the working class. Its presence signifies the guiding ideology of the Soviet state.

Evolution Through Editions: Emblem Versions

Early Designs and First Version (1923-1936)

The initial emblem, approved in 1923 and codified in the 1924 Constitution, featured the motto in six languages. This was updated in 1931 to include seven languages following the establishment of the Tajik SSR. These early versions established the core visual language of the emblem.

First Version (1923-1931): Motto in 6 languages (Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Georgian).

Second Version (1931-1936): Motto expanded to 7 languages with the inclusion of Tajik.

The emblem's design was refined by artists like Ivan Dubasov, incorporating elements like the red star as suggested by government officials.

The 11-Language Emblem (1936-1946)

The 1936 Soviet Constitution recognized 11 constituent republics. Consequently, the emblem was updated to feature the state motto inscribed on eleven ribbons, reflecting this expansion. This version remained in use through the tumultuous years of World War II.

Third Version (1936-1946): Featured 11 ribbons with the motto in 11 languages, including Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Turkmen, and Uzbek, reflecting new republics and script changes.

The 16-Language Emblem (1946-1956)

Following territorial acquisitions and the formation of new Soviet republics after World War II, the emblem was revised again. This version prominently displayed the motto in 16 languages, encompassing those of all constituent republics at the time, including Finnish and Romanian (as "Moldovan").

Fourth Version (1946-1956): Showcased 16 ribbons, reflecting the expanded number of Soviet republics. This version was asymmetrical due to the placement of the ribbons.

The Final Version (1956-1991)

A significant change occurred in 1956 when the Karelo-Finnish SSR was integrated into the Russian SFSR. This led to the removal of the Finnish inscription from the emblem's ribbon. This 15-language version became the final iteration, used until the dissolution of the USSR.

Fifth and Final Version (1956-1991): Featured 15 ribbons after the removal of the Finnish inscription. This version remained in use until the end of the Soviet Union.

Table of Languages (Final Version):

Left Side	Right Side
Turkmen	Estonian
Tajik	Armenian
Latvian	Romanian (Moldovan Cyrillic)
Lithuanian	Georgian
Azerbaijani	Uzbek
Kazakh	Ukrainian
Belarusian	Russian (Central)

Enduring Presence: Usage and Legacy

Official Documents and Currency

The emblem was a ubiquitous symbol, appearing on official state documents, currency (like Soviet rubles), passports, and military insignia. Its presence reinforced the authority and identity of the Soviet state across all facets of public life.

Architectural and Public Display

It was prominently displayed on government buildings, monuments, and public spaces throughout the USSR and beyond, serving as a constant visual reminder of Soviet power and ideology. Even after the dissolution, remnants can be found on some historical structures.

Post-Soviet Transition

Following the dissolution of the USSR, the emblem was officially retired. However, its imagery persisted on Soviet-era currency until 1994 and on Soviet passports until their discontinuation. Some former Soviet republics retained elements or adaptations of the emblem in their early post-Soviet state symbols before adopting new national designs.

Further Exploration

Related Symbols

Understanding the State Emblem of the USSR also involves exploring related symbols and topics:

The flags of the Soviet Union and its constituent republics.
The emblems of individual Soviet Republics, which often mirrored the main emblem's structure and symbolism.
The evolution of Russian heraldry, both pre-Soviet and post-Soviet.
The broader context of socialist symbolism and its international influence.

Academic Resources

For deeper study, consult academic works on Soviet history, political symbolism, and heraldry. Understanding the historical context, the ideological underpinnings, and the artistic development provides a comprehensive view of the emblem's significance.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "State Emblem Of The Soviet Union" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about state_emblem_of_the_soviet_union while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

eduard hanslick

toyota 200 presented by ck power

german colonization of the americas

tom hayden

8th academy awards

hudson catholic regional high school

ashgate publishing

canada davis cup team

sha ar hanegev regional council

moraine airpark

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the State Emblem of the Soviet Union Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Academic Context and Limitations

This content has been generated by an AI for educational and informational purposes, drawing upon historical data. It is presented in the style of an academic overview for higher education students.

Historical Contextualization: While striving for accuracy, this page provides a summary based on available information and may not encompass every nuance of the emblem's historical or political significance. It is intended as a starting point for further academic inquiry.

No Official Affiliation: This page is not affiliated with any government, historical archive, or official institution. The use of symbols and historical information is for illustrative and educational purposes only.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Soviet Emblem

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Emblem of the USSR: A Defining Symbol ☭

🏛️ Official State Symbol

🗓️ Adoption and Duration

🌍 Socialist Heraldry

Chronicle of Change: Emblem Evolution ⏳

✍️ Genesis of the Emblem

🎨 Design Principles

🌟 Key Design Elements

Visualizing the Ideology: Key Components ✨

🔨 Hammer and Sickle

🌐 The Globe and Sun

🌾 Wheat and Motto

⭐ The Red Star

Evolution Through Editions: Emblem Versions 🗂️

📜 Early Designs and First Version (1923-1936)

🇷🇺 The 11-Language Emblem (1936-1946)

🌍 The 16-Language Emblem (1946-1956)

🇷🇺 The Final Version (1956-1991)

Enduring Presence: Usage and Legacy 🎖️

📄 Official Documents and Currency

🏛️ Architectural and Public Display

➡️ Post-Soviet Transition

Further Exploration 🔍

🔗 Related Symbols

📚 Academic Resources

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Academic Context and Limitations

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Emblem of the USSR: A Defining Symbol

Official State Symbol

Adoption and Duration

Socialist Heraldry

Chronicle of Change: Emblem Evolution

Genesis of the Emblem

Design Principles

Key Design Elements

Visualizing the Ideology: Key Components

Hammer and Sickle

The Globe and Sun

Wheat and Motto

The Red Star

Evolution Through Editions: Emblem Versions

Early Designs and First Version (1923-1936)

The 11-Language Emblem (1936-1946)

The 16-Language Emblem (1946-1956)

The Final Version (1956-1991)

Enduring Presence: Usage and Legacy

Official Documents and Currency

Architectural and Public Display

Post-Soviet Transition

Further Exploration

Related Symbols

Academic Resources

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Academic Context and Limitations