Key People Flashcards
Stalin
Marxism-Leninism
Preferred war communism, saw NEP as diluted socialism.
Strong position as part of the ‘Triumvirate’ that dominated the central committee.
Trotsky
Marxist, Bolshevik-Leninist.
Trotsky was opposed to NEP.
Many Bolsheviks feared Trotsky as they thought he might use the Red Army to take control.
Seen as inconsistent and opportunist. Opposed the triumvirate of Stalin, Zinoviev and Kamenev.
Kamenev
Kamenev formulated a policy of conditional support and was seen as ready to change sides.
The NEP commission was established under Kamenev. Moved into opposition in 1925.
Had a strong powerbase in Moscow, where he ran the local party.
Gained a reputation for inconsistency.
Zinoviev
Supported the Bolshevik ideology.
Moved into opposition in 1925 against Stalin. Argued NEP has made too many concessions to the peasants.
Member of the politburo. Head of comintern. As an ‘Old Bolshevik’ he commanded respect from some colleagues.
Underestimated rivals and opponents.
Rykov
Was in the moderate wing of the party. Although loyal to Lenin, he frequently disagreed with him.
Supported NEP by managing the switch from war communism to NEP.
Had extensive support from Sovnarkom, who chose him as deputy chairman in 1923 and chairman in 1924.
The fact that he had argued with Lenin over revolutionary tactics in 1917 was held against him.
Tomsky
Moderate political views.
Fell out with Lenin over the role of unions under the NEP.
Known as an ‘Old Bolshevik,’ and his working-class origins made him popular in the party.
Support for NEP was used against him when the grain crisis of 1927 hit the economy.
Bukharin
Supported socialism in one country.
Backed war communism, but later supported NEP.
Highly popular with politburo colleagues, and with party members.
He had no power base because he was on good terms with everyone.
