Post Stalin Flashcards
Lenin’s Death and Power Struggle
Context: Lenin’s death in January 1924 led to a power vacuum and a prolonged struggle for leadership within the Communist Party.
Key Players:
Trotsky, Bukharin, Zinoviev, Kamenev, and Stalin.
Marxist-Leninist Ideology:
Emphasizes collective leadership; power should not be concentrated in one person.
Lenin’s “Political Will” (1922):
Criticized Stalin but did not endorse a specific successor.
Kept private at the Party Congress.
Stalin’s Rise:
Initially not viewed as likely successor.
Exploited differences among rivals and secured key positions.
Transition to NEP and Stalin’s Early Opposition
Transition (1921):
Economic ruin and opposition led to the abandonment of War Communism.
Introduction of New Economic Policy (NEP) with mixed economy.
Stalin’s Opposition (1920s):
Initially sided with moderates on NEP in public.
Believed in rapid industrialization; opposed NEP privately.
Stalin’s Triumph and Tactics
Position as Secretary General:
Enabled Stalin to appoint supporters to key positions.
Exploited differences with Trotsky over world communism vs. socialism in Russia.
Expulsion of Opposition (1927):
Trotsky, Zinoviev, and Kamenev expelled from the Party.
Shift in Policies (1929):
Stalin’s harsh speech signaled a brutal shift in direction.
Emergence of Stalin as a despot.
The Five-Year Plans and Industrialization
Stalin’s Vision:
Pushed for large-scale industrialization to catch up with the West.
Stated the need to eliminate a 50-100 year gap in 10 years.
Aims of the Five-Year Plans:
Transform Russia from agrarian to industrial.
Introduce modern technology and achieve self-sufficiency.
Destroy capitalism, emphasize heavy industry, and improve living standards.
Collectivization and Agriculture
Collectivization (1929):
Forced amalgamation of small farms into collective farms.
Opposition from wealthy Kulaks led to mass slaughter of livestock.
Famine and Purges (1932-33):
Famine resulted in 15 million deaths.
The period of “purges” targeted critics and dissenters.
Industrialization and Second Five-Year Plan
Second Five-Year Plan (1933-37):
Emphasized quality, efficiency, and consumer goods.
Focus on improving living standards.
Industrial
Achievements:
Significant growth in coal, steel, and oil production.
Urbanization increased, new towns built, and education improved.
The Purges and Control Measures
The Great Purges (1936-38):
Initiated after Sergei Kirov’s murder as a pretext.
Executions, imprisonment, and persecution of perceived enemies.
Control Mechanisms:
Fear and terror established Stalin’s complete control.
Censorship, media manipulation, and suppression of dissent.
Stalin’s Control and USSR’s Emergence as a Superpower
Propaganda and Cult of Personality:
Extensive use of images, statues, and naming of places after Stalin.
Portrayed as the savior and symbol of Soviet strength.
International Relations:
Joined League of Nations in 1934.
Signed Non-Aggression Pact with Germany in 1939.
USSR as a Superpower (1945):
WWII solidified USSR’s status as a superpower.
Economic growth and military might established by 1945.
Assessment of Stalin’s Rule
Strengths:
Economic progress and industrialization.
Strengthened military capability.
USSR emerged as a superpower.
Weaknesses:
Human suffering and high casualties.
Violation of human rights and suppression of dissent.
Economic inefficiencies and flawed policies.
Legacy of Stalin’s Rule
Post-WWII Impact:
USSR emerged as a major player in international politics.
Contributed to Cold War tensions with the West.
Human Cost:
Millions died due to famine, purges, and economic hardships.
Social and cultural suppression left lasting scars.
Economic and Industrial Legacy:
USSR became an industrial giant but at the expense of human rights.
The Five-Year Plans set the foundation for post-war development.
