How Stalin became leader? Flashcards
How did Stalin use Lenin’s funeral to secure power?
He was the planner and made it a state matter and promoted the Leninism cult
He put Lenin’s body on public view- tomb was a shrine and body embalmed even though Krupskaya disagreed
Stalin delivered a oration and presented himself as chief mourner and Lenin’s disciple and “heir of Lenin’s legacy”
Was Trotsky at Lenin’s funeral?
No he was away in Caucasus and Stalin told him the funeral would be held immediately so there was no point in making the long trip to return to Moscow
What was Trotsky’s crucial mistake at the 13th congress party?
Was the perfect opportunity to move in against Stalin but he hesitated as he was nervous about being blamed for a split in the party and thought there might be a better opportunity later as the Troika also seemed strong
What was historian Robert Service’s view on Trotsky’s decision?
He believed he was correct to hold back as the majority were still against him and he would look like he was campaigning for supreme power
Why was Trotsky criticised for his mistake?
He never had a better opportunity as he had power right after Lenin’s death. He was not a natural conspirator while Stalin was quickly building up a strong group of loyal supporters
Who were Stalin’s loyal supporters?
Molotov, Kirov and Voroshilov
What was the impact of 13th congress party?
K and Z became frustrated that they could no longer control S- who had now allied with B. In 1925 T forced out of position as People’s commissar of war. K and Z wanted T expelled from party but S rejected this. Without the fear of T the Trioka weakened
What happened at the 14th congress 1925?
K and Z launched an attack on S. They were painted to be factionalists and were therefore pushed to joining forces with T.
What was the alliance between Stalin and Bukharin?
Duumvirate, it was basically running the country in 1926-7
What was the new name of Left opposition in 1926?
United Opposition
What was the Literary Discussion?
The war of words which T would have been expected to win but Stalin’s line appealed to party members e.g. his book “On questions of Leninism” where he argued the Socialism in one country and demonstrated that he was a good theorist
What was the outcome for T Z and K?
They were expelled from the CC Oct 1927
T and Z were expelled from party in Nov
How did Stalin defeat the right side of the party?
Political tension began in 1928 in relation to NEP and peasants- Bukharin was considered too soft on the issue while Stalin wanted tough action to increase grain production, S wanted rapid ind but B wanted slower approach
What were the problems for B?
He protested against “excesses” but lacked any support
He regularly clashes with S in politburo and he wanted “sensible policies” and he became isolated and vulnerable- thought of making alliance with T
1928- becoming more and more outvoted in politburo
Outcome for B?
1929- denied as editor of Pravda- expelled from Politburo
Lost the majority he had previously had in Moscow party
S made direct attacks on B accusing him of “right deviation”
