State Terror and Stalin's Dictatorship Flashcards
Why was there opposition towards Stalin’s leadership after the First Five Year Plan ended in 1932?
It had led to collectivisation which had led to the famine 1932-1933.
Which significant document did Ryutin release which demanded a change in policy in 1932? But it’s usually referred to as ‘Ryutin’s Platform.’
‘Stalin and the Crisis of the Proletarian Dictatorship’
How did Stalin respond to Ryutin’s criticisms in 1932?
He imprisoned Ryutin for 10 years and expelled Zinoviev, Kamenev and 14 other Party Members for not reporting the document.
In which year did the OGPU become the NKVD?
1934.
Who were the three deadly leaders of the NKVD?
Yagoda, Yezhov and Beria
Which political figure was murdered in 1934? Stalin was rumoured to be behind the murder.
Kirov was murdered.
Why was Stalin said to be complicit in the murder?
Because Kirov had recently been appointed to Secretary of Equal Rank. The same rank as Stalin.
Who did Stalin claim was behind the murder of Kirov?
Trotsky. Claimed it was a Trotskyite plot.
Which two ex-Party members were arrested in January 1935? And accused of what?
Zinoviev and Kamenev for ‘terrorist plotting.’
What was the function of the Show Trials?
To show foreign journalists that purging the enemies of the state was justified because they were indeed guilty.
What always happened in the Show Trials?
The accused admitted their guilt and admitted that they betrayed the State and betrayed the revolution.
