Joseph Stalin ruled the Soviet Union from 1929 to 1953. (Nikita Khrushchev was the leader during the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961.) Under the Soviet system – and especially under Stalin – there was a great deal of media manipulation. Censorship was rampant in the political climate on the East German side of the Berlin Wall, even before the wall went up.

During Stalin's regime, photography was becoming important in news coverage. The Soviets manipulated photographs for political reasons. Some were retouched to smooth Stalin' s pockmarked face. Others were manipulated to alter historical events. Anything that did not glorify Stalin was erased from public record. Photos were airbrushed to remove Stalin's political enemies. (Sometimes, enemies who had been killed.) Generations of Russians learned false versions of history.

Examine these two photographs to see how they were altered. What truths do the undoctored photographs reveal? Can you imagine why these photos were altered? Check below to see if you were right.

	This man, a commissar or Communist Party official, once was a trusted adviser of Stalin. But, he became Stalin's political enemy and his image was removed from public record.

	The words on the banners people were waving at this demonstration were changed. In the original picture the words are illegible. But in the altered photograph the banner reads: "Down with the Monarchy – Long Live the Republic!" The words on the storefront sign were also changed. The sign used to read "Watches – gold and silver." In the new photo it said, "Struggle for your rights."