1、 Background of the Reform of the Soviet State Honor System

Explored the background of the reform of the Soviet national honor system. The national honor system is regarded as an institutional arrangement that strengthens national identity and political legitimacy, originating from the identity symbol of medieval European knights. The honor system of Tsarist Russia had a hierarchical and privileged color, and the Soviet government's "Red Flag Medal" marked a complete separation from the feudal hierarchical color of the Tsarist honor system. The Soviet honor system was closely related to military reforms, such as the 1924-1925 military reform and the establishment of the "Red Star Medal" in 1930. In the mid-1930s to early 1940s, as the threat of war intensified, the Soviet Union once again carried out military reforms, restored the rank system, and established three military medals: "Bravery", "Military Merit", and "20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army". The civil honor system also became an important component of the Soviet Union's national honor system, such as the "Labor Red Flag Medal" and "Honor Medal". The highest medal established in 1930, the Order of Lenin, and the highest national honor established in 1934, the Hero of the Soviet Union, further enhanced the authority and completeness of national honors. The adoption of the General Regulations on Soviet Medals in 1936 provided guidance on the nature, significance, status, and awarding authority of the Soviet national honor system. However, after the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War, the Soviet national honor system faced new challenges and needed to be adjusted and improved.

2、 The content and effect of the reform

During the Great Patriotic War, the reform of the Soviet Union's national honor system was carried out at two levels: institutional design and material carriers. In terms of institutional design, the Soviet government delegated the authority to approve and award honors, improved operational efficiency, established new medals and awards, and standardized the registration system. On the material carrier, medals and insignia adopt the names and images of historical military commanders, adjust their forms, clarify their wearing methods and sequences, and enhance the standardization level. Reform to address the issue of unsuitability of the honor system in the early stages of war, improve operational efficiency and reward accuracy.

4、 Conclusion

Russia has a tradition of rewarding achievements since ancient times, and the national honor system gradually improved during the reign of Tsarist Russia. After the establishment of the Soviet Union, a national honor system emphasizing equality and having political attributes was established. The establishment of the All Russian Red Flag Medal in 1918 marked the beginning of a new era. The national honor system has the functions of political absorption and integration, and mobilizes politics by establishing exemplary figures. During the Great Patriotic War, the reform of the Soviet Union's national honor system was crucial for mobilizing energy. After the war, the Soviet honor system shifted towards fields such as economy and culture, completing the transition from military and political achievements to everyday politics. The Soviet national honor system reflects the development of the post-war Soviet political system and political life.