Stalin

Question 1

Why was there no agreed successor to Lenin?

Answer 1

1. There was no official post of “leader” and no way of electing anyone.
2. Lenin’s reputation was so great and few preparations had been made for his death.
3. The testament criticised all prominent Bolsheviks without suggesting a successor.
4. There was fear of a Napoleon-like dictator emerging. Many members instead wanted a collective leadership committee.
5. All possible contenders had strengths and weaknesses. They feared they did not have enough support on their own but factions were banned.

Question 2

Why did Stalin oppose collectivisation?

Answer 2

1. They had no concept of a kulak.
2. It destroyed their culture.
3. It was brutal and violent.

Question 3

Examples of support for collectivisation.

Answer 3

• key people approved
• would destroy class in countryside
• would destroy religion
• socialist idea
• 25000ers
• workers hated rationing
• agriculture failing
• grain hoarding

Question 4

Reactions to collectivisation.

Answer 4

Passive:

1. Refusing to sow or harvest.
2. Burning crops.
3. Eating livestock.
4. Destroying possessions

Active:

1. Letter writing
2. Speaking in meetings

Attacking:

1. Disrupting meetings
2. Violence and lynchings
3. Arson
4. Destruction of property

Question 5

Things to consider when discussing if the purges strengthened the USSR

Answer 5

1. Human cost
2. Industry
3. Party
4. Army

Question 6

Why did the purges happen?

Answer 6

1. Need for slave labour. (Applebaum)
2. Genuine internal and external threat.
3. They were radicalised from below.
4. Ideological reasons.
5. Stalin was paranoid

Question 7

How did Stalin create a personality cult?

Answer 7

1. Rewrote history.
2. Stable father thing in a chaotic time.
3. Strong protector of the people in war.
4. Replaced religion

Question 8

Good things about the regime.

Answer 8

1. Healthcare and more clinics.
2. Compulsory education and improved literacy.
3. Rewards for Stakhanovites
4. Child support
5. More women working and educated
6. National pride
7. Won the war

Question 9

Negative things about the regime.

Answer 9

1. Fear and paranoia
2. Arrests and executions
3. Slave labour
4. State surveillance
5. Long hours
6. Quicksand society
7. Food shortages
8. Lack of consumer goods