Stalin 1928-53

Question 1

How did Stalin establish a personal dictatorship?

Answer 1

1. Elimination of opponents
2. Patronage System
3. Control of relationship between party and state

Question 2

Give 3 reasons Stalin’s state was believed to be totalitarian.

Answer 2

1. complete control of the economy
2. use of widespread political terror
3. complete control of the media and extensive use of propaganda and personality cults.

Question 3

Name 4 ways that Stalin eliminated opponents.

Answer 3

1. Expelled rivals from Politburo
2. General secretary = patronage system to win support of the party
3. Rabkrin = power to sack party officials

Question 4

When were the show trials?

Answer 4

• 1936
• 1937
• 1938

Question 5

Give an example of Stalin shifting powerbases.

Answer 5

1938 = Politburo most important 
1942 = State Defence Committee most important

Question 6

When was the Leningrad Affair.

Answer 6

1949

Question 7

When was Kirov murdered

Answer 7

1934