Struggle For Power (1924 - 28) Flashcards
What happened after Lenin died in 1924?
A struggle for power broke out among senior communists to lead the Soviet Union.
What did Lenin write before his death?
A ‘Testament’ criticising all the main leaders, especially warning about Stalin’s rudeness and lust for power.
What was Stalin’s ideology?
Socialism in One Country — the USSR could become a socialist state on its own.
What role gave Stalin great power in the Party?
As General Secretary, he could appoint supporters to key party jobs.
How did Stalin present himself?
As moderate and respectful, with no extreme views — he kept his private opinions secret.
How did Stalin use Lenin’s funeral to his advantage?
He led the funeral while Trotsky was too ill to attend, gaining public prominence.
What did Lenin say about Stalin?
He criticised Stalin’s rudeness and lust for power in his Testament.
What were Stalin’s perceived weaknesses?
He was seen as boring compared to more charismatic rivals.
What was Trotsky’s ideology?
Permanent Revolution — communism needed to spread across the world.
What was Trotsky’s reputation in the Civil War?
Brilliant speaker and organiser
Close to Lenin
Key to the Red Army’s victory
What were Trotsky’s weaknesses?
Seen as arrogant and bossy
Had been a Menshevik until 1917
Had few supporters outside the military
What were Zinoviev and Kamenev’s roles?
Zinoviev: Party boss in Petrograd
Kamenev: Senior leader in Moscow
How did they work with Stalin?
They teamed up with Stalin (and Bukharin’s support) to undermine Trotsky.
What mistake damaged their reputations?
They had opposed Lenin’s October 1917 Revolution, the only senior Bolsheviks to do so.
What was their limitation compared to Stalin?
Their power was local (Petrograd and Moscow only), while Stalin controlled the national party structure.
What made Bukharin popular?
Very well-liked
Excellent writer and speaker
Editor of Pravda (party newspaper)
What weakened Bukharin’s standing?
Opposed the October Revolution
Supported the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
Main supporter of the NEP, which many viewed as capitalist
How did Stalin undermine Trotsky?
Took the lead at Lenin’s funeral
Worked with Zinoviev, Kamenev, and Bukharin to isolate Trotsky
What did Stalin do after Trotsky was weakened?
He turned on Zinoviev and Kamenev, accusing them of trying to split the party.
What happened to Bukharin?
Economic crisis in 1927–28 put pressure on NEP
Stalin abandoned NEP and promoted rapid industrialisation and collectivisation
Bukharin lost support and his influence faded
