24.1 Political condition of the Soviet Union Flashcards
What did Edward Crankshaw say about the political condition of the Soviet Union by 1964?
(Khrushchev and his desire for power + consequences)
Khrushchev wanted power, not only because he liked power but because he needed it to get things done for the ‘transformation of the SU into a prosperous and enlightened society’ (still within the Leninist idea). Progress was slow with many setbacks yet still steady enough.
Who said that Khrushchev wanted power not only personally but for reforms also stating that there was slow but sure progress?
Edward Crankshaw
What did the textbook say about the period 1941-64?
‘1941-64 was one of instability and change’
What years did the textbook deem of ‘instability and change’?
‘1941-64 was one of instability and change’
What did David Christian say about the government in the 1950’s?
‘less coercive government that emerged in the 1950’s
Who said ‘less coercive government that emerged in the 1950’s’?
David Christian
Was was the political condition of Russia by 1964?
From Stalinist period to post-stalinism?
- Stalin was central to decisions of the Soviet Political system where he had a god-like image in which no decision would be made without his backing. His death in 1953 left a political vacuum
- Prior to 1964 the party tried to fill the vacuum by creating a new political leadership style (party force vs an autocratic individual)
- Changes away from an autocratic and coercive practice were not absolute. Those who had risen to power in Stalin’s government wanted to retain this control and the privileges it accorded
What was the overall political condition of Russia by 1964?
+ What does the textbook say about reforms?
- The one-party state and command economy was always favoured but creating reforms was difficult and may help to explain why the reforms process was
+ ‘half-hearted and erratic’
