Stalin's Rise Flashcards
What was the impact of Lenin’s death in 1924?
Lenin’s passing created a power vacuum, sparking a fierce struggle among party leaders, including Stalin, Trotsky, Zinoviev, and Kamenev.
How did Stalin manipulate Lenin’s funeral?
Stalin organized Lenin’s funeral and delivered a eulogistic speech that portrayed him as the rightful heir to Lenin’s legacy.
What misinformation did Stalin spread to Trotsky?
Stalin misled Trotsky about the date of Lenin’s funeral, preventing him from attending.
What was the Triumvirate?
Stalin allied with Zinoviev and Kamenev to marginalize Trotsky, initially helping him gain power.
What did Stalin do regarding Lenin’s Testament?
Stalin delayed the publication of Lenin’s Testament, which criticized him, to maintain his position as General Secretary.
How did Stalin navigate party politics?
Stalin adeptly shifted alliances, initially aligning with leftists against Trotsky before turning against Zinoviev and Kamenev.
What was Stalin’s shift from left to right?
Stalin moved from supporting leftist policies to adopting rightist positions to consolidate power by appealing to different factions.
How did Stalin adapt the New Economic Policy (NEP)?
By supporting the NEP, which allowed some private enterprise, Stalin gained favor among peasants and moderate party members.
How did Stalin consolidate power through appointments?
As General Secretary, Stalin appointed loyal supporters to key positions within the Communist Party.
What actions did Stalin take against his rivals by the late 1920s?
Stalin sidelined Trotsky and other rivals through political purges and exile.
How did Stalin use propaganda?
Stalin utilized state propaganda to promote his image as Lenin’s successor and shape public perception.
How did Stalin cultivate loyalty among party members?
Through public speeches and propaganda, Stalin framed himself as a guardian of Lenin’s legacy.
What was the role of the Politburo during Stalin’s rise?
The Politburo became a battleground for power struggles, which Stalin manipulated to outmaneuver opponents.
What did Stalin do to eliminate opposition factions by 1928?
Stalin systematically eliminated leftist opposition factions through purges.
How did Stalin establish ideological control over the party?
Stalin positioned himself as the sole interpreter of Marxism-Leninism, labeling dissent as deviation.
What was the policy of ‘Socialism in One Country’?
This policy contrasted with Trotsky’s theory of permanent revolution and appealed to national interests.
How did Stalin manipulate party congresses?
Stalin skillfully used party congresses to ensure key votes favored his policies.
What was the role of Nadezhda Krupskaya in Stalin’s rise?
Lenin’s widow initially supported Stalin but later expressed concerns about his growing power.
How were Stalin’s economic policies tools for consolidation?
Stalin’s economic policies were designed for industrial growth and consolidating political power.
How did Stalin use fear and repression?
The atmosphere of fear cultivated by purges deterred opposition within the Communist Party.
What was the role of youth organizations under Stalin?
Stalin promoted youth organizations like the Komsomol to instill loyalty among younger generations.
How did Stalin’s alliances with key figures evolve?
Initially aligning with figures like Bukharin, Stalin later turned on these allies when they became threats.
What was the strategic use of Comintern by Stalin?
Stalin sought to promote communist revolutions worldwide while enhancing Soviet influence.
How did Stalin control information?
By controlling information dissemination, Stalin shaped narratives that favored his leadership.
What was the role of the NKVD?
The NKVD enforced Stalin’s policies through surveillance and repression.
How did Stalin manipulate during economic crises?
Stalin used scapegoating tactics against perceived enemies to rally support for his regime.
What new elite class did Stalin create?
Stalin established a new elite class loyal to him, helping maintain control over Soviet life.
How did Stalin use historical narratives?
Stalin reinterpreted history to align with his narrative, downplaying rivals’ contributions.
What happened to former allies like Zinoviev and Kamenev?
They became targets after their usefulness diminished, illustrating the quick shifts in political allegiances.
What was the state of Stalin’s power by December 1929?
By December 1929, Stalin emerged as the undisputed leader after eliminating major rivals.
