Stalin's Soviet Union Flashcards
Bolsheviks
Members of the Russian Social-Democratic Workers’ Party, which, led by Vladimir Lenin, seized control of the government in Russia in the October Revolution of 1917 and became the dominant political power. Consisted primarily of workers who advocated immediate and forceful seizure of power by the working class.
October Revolution
A revolution led by the Bolshevik Party (Lenin) to topple the interim government in Russia.
Provisional Government
A temporary ruling body that serves until properly replaced. In context of Soviet Russia, the PG took political control upon end of Tsarist Rule. However, it was often associated with the monarchists and people sympathetic with the re-establishment of Tsarist rule. Many benefited from Tsarist rule as well, hence unwilling to make radical changes to transform society. The PG was overthrown on 25 October 1917.
Pravda
Communist newspaper, literally translated as ‘the truth’ (ironically). Used by Stalin to gain trust of public through heavy censorship and propaganda materials.
NEP (New economic policy)
Policy implemented by Lenin to rejuvenate Russian economy. Allowed peasants to keep their produce and sell them for profit; encouraged microcosm of ‘capitalism’ and resulted in creation of ‘nepmen’ (rich businessmen). kulaks (rich peasants/farmers) are often associated with the term ‘nepmen’ too.
One-party state
A law passed by Hitler in July 1933 made the Nazi Party the only legal political party in Germany
Centralisation
Process by which the activities of an organisation, particularly those regarding planning and decision-making, framing strategy and policies become concentrated within a particular geographical location group. In the context of a country, typically the state.
Bureaucratisation
The process of dividing the governance into a number of different departments across different levels in a state. In context of Soviet Russia, it made the system of governance more efficient but often also used to enact Communist ideologies/policies.
Lenin’s testament
A document written by Lenin in which he called for changes in the structure of the government of the Soviet Union. Within the testament, he outrightly criticised all the principal party leaders, especially Stalin. This document was not made known to the public and this act is often thought of as a key reason for Stalin’s rise.
Radicals
Those who came up with new ideas and challenged the system. This typically varies depending on what the status quo is i.e. what is deemed as a ‘conservative’.
Conversatives
Those who followed the existing system closely; avoid extreme views that will lead to major social change.
Typically, their focus is in the preservation of status quo.
New Soviet man (Stakhanov)
The ideal Soviet citizen who was willing to serve the Soviet Union selflessly; strived to exceed production targets set in place. Often used as part of propaganda to encourage productivity. (names after Alexey Stakhanov)
The Great Famine
The Soviet famine of 1932/33 was the consequence of forced collectivisation which resulted in kulaks burning/burying their crops and grains, as well as killed their animals/livestock to prevent them from being taken over by the state. Alongside bad droughts, this led to a drastic decline in harvest, resulting in the death of millions due to famine.
Collectivisation
Merging of small individual farms of Soviet Russia into larger collective farms (kolkhoz). More efficient farming through mechanisation such as the use of tractors and pooling of resources; sometimes manpower as well.
Kolkhozy (kolkhoz)
A large farm which is the result of the merging of several farms, and run as a single unit. It may be forced or voluntary.
