Rise to power essay points Flashcards
What position did Stalin hold in the party since 1922?
He served as general secretary of the party.
What was the Lenin Enrolment (1923-1925)?
It was an initiative to increase party membership, doubling it from 500,000 to 1,000,000.
Who were the new members added during the Lenin Enrolment?
Many were young, rural, and poorly educated men who often followed local leaders.
How did Stalin use the Lenin Enrolment to his advantage?
He filled party committees with young men who supported him and used delegates to fill the Politburo.
What was the Ban on factions (1921)?
It was a ban by Lenin that could result in expulsion from the party for opposing policies.
How did Stalin use the Ban on factions against his opponents?
He expelled Trotsky, Kamanev, and Zinoviev in 1927 using this ban.
What was Trotsky’s status after Lenin’s death?
He was considered the most likely candidate to succeed Lenin.
What significant mistake did Trotsky make regarding Lenin’s funeral?
He did not attend Lenin’s funeral in January 1924, which negatively impacted his reputation.
What was Trotsky’s previous political affiliation before joining the Bolsheviks?
He was previously a Menshevik.
What was a major factor in Trotsky’s downfall?
His arrogance and unwillingness to work with others in the party.
What unpopular belief did Trotsky hold?
He believed in permanent revolution, which was unpopular compared to Stalin’s socialism in one country.
What was Stalin’s notable policy introduced during his rise to power?
Socialism in one country.
How did Stalin’s policy differ from Trotsky’s?
Stalin’s policy was popular within the party, contrasting with Trotsky’s permanent revolution.
What strategy did Stalin use to consolidate his power?
He loaded the congress with his own supporters and switched sides on policies as needed.
What nickname is often associated with Stalin due to his political style?
He is often referred to as the ‘grey blur’.
