High Stalinism Flashcards
Why did Stalin target Polina Molotova
She was Jewish and had been to welcoming to the Israeli ambassador
When did Stalin vote to expel Polina from the party
December 1948
What was Molotov’s reaction to Stalin’s treatment of his wife
Divorced her under Stalin’s orders
Apologised for not voting for her expulsion
When was Polina arrested
January 1949
How did Politburo’s describe meetings with Stalin
Uncertainty over whether they would be allowed to leave or they would be arrested
How many doctors where accused of colluding with the US to kill high ranking Soviets
13
What happened to the doctors accused of being involved in the plot
2 killed during torture
Remaining sentenced to be executed but Stalin died prior to this and the plot was declared a fabrication
Who was Zhdanov
Stalin’s favourite member of the Politburo
Had led the defence of Stalingrad in WWII
Died in 1948 sparking the doctors plot conspiracy
What happened to the Leningrad wing of the party following the death of Zhdanov
Purged high ranking members (Kunetsov & Voznesensky) who may have risen to rival Stalin
Why was the Leningrad purge committed
Politburo members wanted to show loyalty to Stalin who himself wanted to show his ruthlessness
Who were the Mingrelians
Ethnic group in Georgia
What was the NKVD renamed to in 1946
MVD
Why was Stalin’s decision to pick Beria to purge the Mingrelian party members so serious
Beria himself was a Mingrelian and it is theorised that the purge was a precursor to an attack on Beria
When was the Politburo abolished
19th Party Congress (1952)
How long did Stalin’s 70th birthday celebrations last
1 year 8 months (December 1949 – August 1951)
