How did Stalin exercise power over the Communist Party and State? Flashcards
How significant was the Role of The General Secretary?
The position offered to gather both influence and information. Under Lenin the party became the head of the state instead of the government becoming head. The leader of the party was the General Secretary.
Why did Stalin become General Secretary of the Party in 1922 and why was he unopposed for this position?
It was a position that others had already turned down as being too boring and unlikely to further ones career, however, Stalin was quick to see the opportunities the position offered.
Give 5 examples of Specific Powers of Influence the Role of General Secretary gave Stalin.
1) He coordinated all the work across the party departments and had access to a vast majority of information.
2) He had access to 26,000 personal files on party members. He would have Dzerzhinsky report to him on everything daily. He used this information against rivals.
3) He was responsible for deciding the agenda of the party meetings. This gave him a useful tool in eliminating issues that could be debated.
4) He had the right to appoint people to party positions and this provided him with a tool to promote people who were loyal to him to key positions.
5) Stalin proved to outmaneuver and outvote his opponents when it came to party votes. The congress overwhelmed with people who owed their position and loyalties to Stalin.
Why was Stalin’s position further enhanced between 1923-25?
This was enhanced further between 1923 and 1925 through the launching of the Lenin’s enrollment. The aim of this was to increase the number of industrial workers in the party. Over 50,000 workers were recruited increasing the party membership double the amount it was before. Most workers were illiterate or poorly educated. And as general secretary Stalin supervised this membership. This gave Stalin more power as these people clearly needed a source of employment which meant they were ready to be highly loyal to anyone that gave them the opportunity of paid work.
Explain who made better use of the Party Structure, Lenin or Stalin?
The Party Structure better suited Stalin’s skill in his thoroughness and administration which prospered through Lenin’s Party Structure. Stalin could build up high level of support unnoticed by fellow party members as he would take up jobs that seemed boring to other members. Nikolai Sukhanov referred to Stalin as a “grey blur” a good administrator who lacked personality.
