Stalin 1924-53

Question 1

When did the power struggle take place for who would replace Lenin?

Answer 1

Between 1924-1929

Question 2

What were Stalin’s positions in the Party?

Answer 2

• People’s Commissar for Nationalities (1917)

• Liaison Officer Between the Polituburo (the most powerful part of the communist government) and the Orgburo (1919)

• Head if Rabkrin (Workers and Peasants Inspectorate) - (1919)

• General Secretary of the Communist Party (1922)

Question 3

What was one of main issues in the leadership contest (who was going to rule?)

Answer 3

1) Leadership - collective leadership (more socialist and reduces risk of dictatorship) or individual leadership (increases risk of dictatorship however would be more able to unite factions of the Party)

Question 4

What was one of the main issues in the leadership contest (who was going to rule?) No.2

Answer 4

2) Disagreement over the future of NEP:
- Left wing: wanted an end to NEP, start rapid industrialisation, and force peasants to give over grain to pay for it.

• Right wing: wanted to keep the NEP, encourage consumerism to stimulate growth in manufacturing, and they feared that conflict with the peasants would lead to an economic crisis and undermine the revolution.

Question 5

What was one of the main issues in the leadership contest (who was going to rule?) No.3

Answer 5

3) Permanent Revolution VS Socialism In One Country:

• Permanent revolution (Trotsky):
  • Revolution needed international support to survive (proletariat too small + underdeveloped)
  • World Communist revolution necessary
• Socialism in One Country (Stalin):
  • Focus on strengthening Russia first
  • Show the world what socialism meant - create a society superior to the West.
  • Patriotic Appeal