Stalin's Rise

Question 1

What was the impact of Lenin’s death in 1924?

Answer 1

Lenin’s passing created a power vacuum, sparking a fierce struggle among party leaders, including Stalin, Trotsky, Zinoviev, and Kamenev.

Question 2

How did Stalin manipulate Lenin’s funeral?

Answer 2

Stalin organized Lenin’s funeral and delivered a eulogistic speech that portrayed him as the rightful heir to Lenin’s legacy.

Question 3

What misinformation did Stalin spread to Trotsky?

Answer 3

Stalin misled Trotsky about the date of Lenin’s funeral, preventing him from attending.

Question 4

What was the Triumvirate?

Answer 4

Stalin allied with Zinoviev and Kamenev to marginalize Trotsky, initially helping him gain power.

Question 5

What did Stalin do regarding Lenin’s Testament?

Answer 5

Stalin delayed the publication of Lenin’s Testament, which criticized him, to maintain his position as General Secretary.

Question 6

How did Stalin navigate party politics?

Answer 6

Stalin adeptly shifted alliances, initially aligning with leftists against Trotsky before turning against Zinoviev and Kamenev.

Question 7

What was Stalin’s shift from left to right?

Answer 7

Stalin moved from supporting leftist policies to adopting rightist positions to consolidate power by appealing to different factions.

Question 8

How did Stalin adapt the New Economic Policy (NEP)?

Answer 8

By supporting the NEP, which allowed some private enterprise, Stalin gained favor among peasants and moderate party members.

Question 9

How did Stalin consolidate power through appointments?

Answer 9

As General Secretary, Stalin appointed loyal supporters to key positions within the Communist Party.

Question 10

What actions did Stalin take against his rivals by the late 1920s?

Answer 10

Stalin sidelined Trotsky and other rivals through political purges and exile.

Question 11

How did Stalin use propaganda?

Answer 11

Stalin utilized state propaganda to promote his image as Lenin’s successor and shape public perception.

Question 12

How did Stalin cultivate loyalty among party members?

Answer 12

Through public speeches and propaganda, Stalin framed himself as a guardian of Lenin’s legacy.

Question 13

What was the role of the Politburo during Stalin’s rise?

Answer 13

The Politburo became a battleground for power struggles, which Stalin manipulated to outmaneuver opponents.

Question 14

What did Stalin do to eliminate opposition factions by 1928?

Answer 14

Stalin systematically eliminated leftist opposition factions through purges.

Question 15

How did Stalin establish ideological control over the party?

Answer 15

Stalin positioned himself as the sole interpreter of Marxism-Leninism, labeling dissent as deviation.

Question 16

What was the policy of ‘Socialism in One Country’?

Answer 16

This policy contrasted with Trotsky’s theory of permanent revolution and appealed to national interests.

Question 17

How did Stalin manipulate party congresses?

Answer 17

Stalin skillfully used party congresses to ensure key votes favored his policies.

Question 18

What was the role of Nadezhda Krupskaya in Stalin’s rise?

Answer 18

Lenin’s widow initially supported Stalin but later expressed concerns about his growing power.

Question 19

How were Stalin’s economic policies tools for consolidation?

Answer 19

Stalin’s economic policies were designed for industrial growth and consolidating political power.

Question 20

How did Stalin use fear and repression?

Answer 20

The atmosphere of fear cultivated by purges deterred opposition within the Communist Party.

Question 21

What was the role of youth organizations under Stalin?

Answer 21

Stalin promoted youth organizations like the Komsomol to instill loyalty among younger generations.

Question 22

How did Stalin’s alliances with key figures evolve?

Answer 22

Initially aligning with figures like Bukharin, Stalin later turned on these allies when they became threats.

Question 23

What was the strategic use of Comintern by Stalin?

Answer 23

Stalin sought to promote communist revolutions worldwide while enhancing Soviet influence.

Question 24

How did Stalin control information?

Answer 24

By controlling information dissemination, Stalin shaped narratives that favored his leadership.

Question 25

What was the role of the NKVD?

Answer 25

The NKVD enforced Stalin’s policies through surveillance and repression.

Question 26

How did Stalin manipulate during economic crises?

Answer 26

Stalin used scapegoating tactics against perceived enemies to rally support for his regime.

Question 27

What new elite class did Stalin create?

Answer 27

Stalin established a new elite class loyal to him, helping maintain control over Soviet life.

Question 28

How did Stalin use historical narratives?

Answer 28

Stalin reinterpreted history to align with his narrative, downplaying rivals’ contributions.

Question 29

What happened to former allies like Zinoviev and Kamenev?

Answer 29

They became targets after their usefulness diminished, illustrating the quick shifts in political allegiances.

Question 30

What was the state of Stalin’s power by December 1929?

Answer 30

By December 1929, Stalin emerged as the undisputed leader after eliminating major rivals.