1.2 Stalin in power, 1926-53

Question 1

When did Lenin die?

Answer 1

January 1924

Question 2

How did Stalin start to gain power?

Answer 2

• Became General Secretary in 1922, which gave him influence as head of the party
• Gained access to over 26,000 personal files on Party members - useful source of information
  that could be used against rivals
• Controlled the agenda of party meetings - could redirect the issues that couldbe debated - took advantage of the party structure created by Lenin
• Launched Lenin Enrolment, 1923-25 - to increase the number of industrial workers in the party - this led to the party consisting of uneducated and politically naïve worker who could be easily manipulated by Stalin
• He could appoint people to the party so he appointed his supporters
• Exploited divisions in the party - left wanted a permanent revolution, right wanted to keep Lenin’s NEP

Question 3

How did Stalin implement terror on the party?

Answer 3

He carried out show trials

Question 4

Explain the process of liquidating the Kulak class that Stalin undertook

Answer 4

The OGPU were used to round up the Kulaks and deport them to labour camps

Question 5

What did Stalin acquire through his cult of personality?

Answer 5

A ‘God’ like status, which was extremely powerful

Question 6

How did people view Stalin?

Answer 6

1. Benefactor
2. defender of the people
3. Charismatic leader
4. A great relationship with children

Question 7

What instigated the Great Purges?

Answer 7

The murder of Kirov instigated the Great Purges. Stalin was determined to uncover every traitor

Question 8

When did Stalin lay down his basis of power?

Answer 8

During Lenin’s illness

Question 9

How did Stalin change the nature of the party?

Answer 9

He established a new ideological orthodoxy

Question 10

What was the purpose of the great purges?

Answer 10

The purpose was to uncover all traitors / enemies in every aspect.