20.4 The power vacuum on Stalin's death

Question 1

How was Stalin towards the end of his life?

Answer 1

• Unpredictable outbursts

- Liked to watch TV and drink with friends

Question 2

When did Stalin call a Party meeting despite not training a successor?

Answer 2

October 1952

Question 3

What happed at the Party meeting in October 1952? (3)

Answer 3

• His subordinates Malenkov and Khrushchev did most of the talking
• Stalin asked to step down, but this idea was rejected in fear of what he would do else wise
• Orgburo was to be disbanded and Politburo was replaced by a larger Presidium

Question 4

What was the Presidium and when was it announced?

Answer 4

The Presidium was announced at the October 1952 Party meeting following the disbandment of the Orgburo and Politburo

Members were selected by Stalin as opposed to elected

Question 5

When did Stalin die and what happened when people tried to see his body?

++ What state did the death of Stalin leave the people in?

Answer 5

Stalin died in March 1953, People queued to see his embalmed body – 500 were even trampled to death in Moscow

++ left Russian people demoralised and leaderless.

Question 6

Who were the main contenders in the power vacuum after Stalin’s death? (3)

++ As a collective what were these 3 people known as

Answer 6

• Lavrenty Beria
• Georgii Malenkov
• Vyacheslav Molotov

++ ‘troika’