High Stalinism

Question 1

Stalin

Answer 1

Cult of personality grew - claimed to hate it privately but never condoned it publicly

Grew paranoid, demoted Zhukov (an invaluable war hero)

Promoted mistrust among colleagues

Party redundant - S held absolute power

Question 2

Society

Answer 2

Hysterical isolationism - denied access to outside world, esp. West. Foreign films, books etc banned, Bolshoi ballet banned from touring, few allowed passports

Zhdanovism/anti-cosmopolitanism - all ideas had to conform to soviet ideaology, those who did not comply with the party line were punished

Outpouring of anti-Semitism -
Doctor’s Plot -high ranking doctors/officials accused of murder plot - later revealed to be fake
Leningrad affair - court cases fabricated accusing prominent politicians of intent to form anti-soviet Union - 200+ murdered

Question 3

Foreign policy

Answer 3

Outbreak of Cold War 1947

Truman Doctrine and Marshall plan made clear USA was against communism - maintained high levels of military spending, upsurge of nationalist propaganda and increased paranoia

Question 4

Economy

Answer 4

Agriculture ruined after scorched earth policies of WW2

State took 60-70% of grain and exported it in order to keep up heavy industry spending - led to famine 1946/7

Industrial production up 75% in 1950 from 1940

Coal surpassed 1950 target of 250 mill tons to get 261 mill tons