Brezhnev's Control Flashcards
JAN MOCK
1
Q
why did he reverse de-stalinisation?
A
it had upset many party members
2
Q
limits on tenure were…
A
removed
3
Q
division of party into agri & industrial sectors was
A
dropped
4
Q
trust in cadres
A
- most party officials, including those at the top, could enjoy long, unbroken tenures
- membership increased from 6.9mil (1953) to 17mil (1980)
5
Q
what happened with subjectivism?
A
- ended - decisions would no longer be made by the leader without consulting the party
- constantly consulted colleagues & had inner core of politburo to discuss important issues
- prepared to retain those who might be rivals eg kosygin as pm
6
Q
third party congress of 1966
A
- involved so little discussion it was known as ‘the congress of silences’
- only changes = presidium –> politburo, and first secretary –> general secretary
7
Q
what medals did he award himself?
A
- lenin peace prize
- lenin prize for literature
8
Q
how did he enjoy his power?
A
- gathered a collection of western limousines
- developed a taste for hunting
- enjoyed the luxuries of life at the top
9
Q
why did stagnation happen?
A
- oligarchy
- he lacked ability to deal with detail, leaving it to others
- trusted party comrades & let them get on with their jobs
10
Q
oligarchy
A
rule by a small elite who govern in their own interests
11
Q
how were promotions different?
A
- before = promos mostly involved moving to another part of the USSR to gain experience & spread new ideas
- after = promos made within the ranks of the local pty membership after being in a jr posish - limited innovation & change within the system
12
Q
corruption
A
- went unnoticed, particularly in remoter parts
- ‘cotton fair’ exposed later under gorbs = millions of roubles being claimed for non-existent cotton (officials fiddled figures)
13
Q
nepotism
A
party officials ensured jobs were given to family members
14
Q
gerontocracy
A
rule was placed in the hands of an increasingly aged group of geriatrics
15
Q
gerontocracy stat & how did this change meetings
A
by 1984, 7/11 politburo members were over 70 yrs - meetings were now only 40 minutes
