Khrushchev Flashcards
1
Q
The Anti-Party group?
A
- 1957
- By Malenkov and Molotov
- Aimed to attack and remove Khrushchevs power due to his criticisms against Stalin
- Tried to do this by using the majority of the Presidium to vote against him.
2
Q
How did Khrushchev fight the Anti Party group?
A
- Used his allies from Central Committee to outvote presidium
- gained ally like deputy minister of defence
- denounced Molotov and Malenkovs to minor roles (due to their involvement in the purges).
3
Q
Khrushchevs aims?
A
- Socialism in one country
- Centrally planned economy but more efficient
- Party should have monopoly but less bureaucracy
- People motivated through schemes not fear
- Peaceful coexistence
4
Q
Why were his aims acutely dangerous?
A
- Undermined successes under Stalin
- Less central control could lead to havoc in states
- Seeking relations with West could make USSR seem weak.
5
Q
When was the Secret Speech?
A
25 February 1956.
6
Q
Criticism included in the Secret Speech?
A
- Stalin responsible for imprisonment and execution of several innocent party members
- Stalins incompetence almost led to the defeat in Great Patriotic War
- Persecution of ‘untrustworthy’ ethnic groups unjustified
- Stalins cult of personality meant proper organs of USSR ignored.
7
Q
Limitations of Secret Speech?
A
No discussion of:
* repressions before Stalin
* Purges of old bolsheviks - Khrushchev was only in power because he wiped out old leadership
8
Q
Reactions?
A
30 fainted, heart attacks
9
Q
Why did Khrsuchev make the speech?
A
- distance from Stalin
- Clear way for economic reform
- Allow for better foreign relations
10
Q
Legal reforms?
A
- millions released from gulags
- comradely courts - community shamed offenders
- KGB didn’t possess power to sentence suspects
- people not be accused of intending to commit crimes.
