Opposition- Lenin Flashcards
Give three forms of opposition to Lenin
- Civil war opponents. 2. Opposition within the party who disagreed with his policies. 3. Political groups on the left and right.
What happened in 1920?
Well organized peasants revolted in the Tambov province over the forced confiscation of grain. 100,000 were arrested and 15,000 killed.
What happened in 1921?
Sailors revolted at Kronstadt naval base, calling for multi party democracy, free elections, end of the Bolshevik dictatorship.
What happened to the revolt?
The rebels were violently crushed with over 1000 killed. Their revolt was fairly effective as it led to the imposition of the NEP.
What was the red terror?
Campaign of political oppression and executions carried out by the Cheka 1918-22. Mensheviks and SRs were arrested and excluded from soviets with around 100,000 killed.
How did Lenin use terror to crush opposition?
Introduced gulags and labor camps, introduced censorship, attacked the Orthodox Church and crushed peasant risings through burning villages. Had the Cheka carry out the red terror and put on the first show trials.
Give four reasons for the red terror
- Destroy opposition and win the civil war. 2. Control and impose war communism. 3. Destroy the bourgeoisie and ensure the dictatorship of the proletariat. 4. Assassination attempt on lenin in august 1918.
What happened to political parties after 1921?
Cheka destroyed opposition, Menshevik and SR leaders put on trial. By 1922 Russia was a one party state.
How did Lenin crush opposition within the communist party?
Introduced ‘on party unity’ in 1921 which banned factions and expelled opposition from the party.
How did Lenin deal with the threat caused by party growth?
Used the Cheka to deal with enemies and establish loyalty. Purged the party in 1921, with 1/3 having their party cards removed (chitska.)
