Russia - Stalins Rise to Power Flashcards
What was Stalins previous job title in the communist party?
General Secretary
His role was to appoint new people to the party.
In 1925, what policy Stalin and Bukharin was to keep in place?
The NEP
They hoped it would rebuild the economy.
Leftists like Trostky, hated it.
What policy did Trostky want to put in place?
What was it?
Permanent Revolution
The idea that would encourage communist revolutions in other countries.
It is a “pure” Marxist theory that argued what should happen.
What policy did Trotsky and Bukharin want instead?
Socialism in one country.
Its aim was to secure the revolution in the USSR.
It did not fit the Marxist idea of communism and therefore Trotsky publicly criticised it.
Why was Trotsky exiled?
He went against the “Law of Factions” when he criticised the Socialism in One Country.
Lenin bought this law into place because of a crisis that occurred in 1921. It said that if one policy was adopted, everyone in the leadership would be required to follow it.
What important event did Trotsky not attend?
Lenin’s funeral
This was seen as disrespectful to the memory of Lenin.
Some historian suggest that he was given the wrong date by Stalin to make him seem disrespectful to Lenin.
Stalin was now the chief mourner at his funeral and gave a speech to indicate how he would continue Lenin’s work - this greatly increased his popularity.
What was Bukharins opinion on NEP?
It would modernise the USSR at a “Snails Pace”.
The NEP, although seen as a step back into an almost capitalist policy, it helped fix the crumbling economy.
Bukharin was a moderate.
What was Stalins famous “left turn”?
He moved away from capitalism.
Although he was once sided with Bukharin in favour of it, he took one last turn against it to win over Bukharin.
This made him win the battle for the control of the USSR.
What did Lenin’s political Testament say about his predecessor?
It was very sceptical of Stalin being the leader. Lenin thought that he may not “use that authority with sufficient caution”.
It was never published as it would most likely have threatened Stalin’s chance to be leader.
