3: Stalin's Power Struggle

Question 1

First stage

Answer 1

Stalin teamed up with Z+K against Trotsky
Stalin supported NEP, while Trotsky advocated for rapid industrialisation
Trotsky was defeated in the 13th Party Congress (full of Stalin supporters) and lost his position as War Commissar in 1925

Question 2

Second stage

Answer 2

Stalin teamed up with Bukharin against the United Opposition (Z+K+T)
Stalin supported NEPA again and opposition rapid industrialisation
Stalin accused opposition of factionalism at 15th Party Congress and they were expelled in 1927, and Trotsky exiled

Question 3

Third stage

Answer 3

Stalin against Bukharin
Stalin supported rapid industrialisation now and Bukharin NEP
Bukharin was discovered plotting with Kamenev and expelled from the Politburo in 1929

Question 4

Stalin strengths

Answer 4

‘Grey blur’ - kept low profile, underestimated
General Secretary meant he controlled party membership
Dynamic and responsive to the mood of the times

Question 5

Trotsky weaknesses

Answer 5

High minded, seen as arrogant
Did not engender loyalty
Underestimated Stalin
Did not demand Lenin’s Testament be read when Z+K and Stalin hid it
Was ill for most of the power struggle