1953-1964 Khrushchev Flashcards
What significant event occurred in March 1953?
Stalin died, leading to Malenkov succeeding as chairman of council and General Secretary.
What happened to Malenkov shortly after he became General Secretary?
Malenkov resigned one week later and was replaced by Khrushchev as General Secretary.
Who were the members of the collective leadership established after Stalin’s death?
Khrushchev, Beria, Malenkov, and Molotov.
What actions did Beria take during the leadership struggle?
Beria became the frontrunner, initiated reforms, and released 1 million gulag prisoners.
What happened to Beria in June 1953?
Beria was arrested and accused of treason, and he was executed in September.
What policy disagreement occurred between Khrushchev and Malenkov-Molotov in 1964?
Malenkov and Molotov advocated for the New Course to raise living standards, while Khrushchev focused on heavy industry and defense.
What was the outcome of the leadership struggle from 1955 to 1958?
Khrushchev solidified his rule after Bulganin resigned and he became head of government and party.
What was the significance of Khrushchev’s secret speech on February 25, 1956?
He criticized Stalin’s purges and terror, claiming Stalin betrayed Leninist principles.
What was the public response to Khrushchev’s secret speech?
Students boycotted Moscow University canteen, tore up Stalin’s portrait, and there was a rise in membership from 7 million to 11 million.
What political reforms did Khrushchev implement?
He reduced the secret police, split the party into urban and rural sections, and allowed non-party members to participate in politics.
What was the reality post-secret speech regarding calls for reform?
Calls for reform were ignored, and the USSR remained a one-party state.
What was the antiparty group challenge in 1957?
The Presidium wanted to rid Khrushchev, but he appealed to the Central Committee, which denounced the Presidium’s factionalism.
Why was Zhukov removed from power?
He was accused of creating a cult of personality and introducing army reforms without consulting the party.
What happened at the 1961 party congress?
An Old Bolshevik claimed Lenin wanted Stalin’s corpse removed, leading to its relocation and the destruction of Stalin monuments.
What led to Khrushchev’s removal in October 1964?
He was recalled from a holiday for an emergency meeting where opposition pressed for his resignation.
What factors contributed to Khrushchev’s removal?
His personality, foreign policy failures, military decisions, economic focus, and decentralization issues.
What economic problems existed before Khrushchev?
Targets set in Moscow were unrealistic, and there was limited administration to make the system work.
What were Khrushchev’s economic reforms?
He abolished 60 Moscow ministries and divided the economy into 105 regions with councils.
What happened to the 6th Five-Year Plan?
It was abandoned due to overambitious targets.
What was the focus of the 7th Five-Year Plan (1961-1965)?
It aimed to compete with the US, improve living standards, and develop light industry.
What were the aims of the 7 Year Plan starting in 1959?
To improve living standards, light industry production, expand the chemical industry, and increase housing.
What successes were achieved during the 7 Year Plan?
Railway lines electrified, coal production rose significantly, and retail value doubled.
What limitations were faced during the 7 Year Plan?
Spending on defense distorted the economy, and growth began to slow down after 1958.
What milestones were achieved in the space race?
Successful ICBM tests, Sputnik 1 and 2 launches, and Yuri Gagarin becoming the first man in space.
