The Great Terror/The Purges Flashcards
When did the ‘purges begin and by which point had they become an regular part of life
Began after Stalin rose to power for many reasons
Reglar part of life by 1934
What were the ideological/economic reasons for the terror
- Collectivisation and rapid industrialisation has split the Communist party.
- 5YPs saw difficulties in getting local secretaries and managers to implement central policies. Seen by gov as being ‘unwilling to push forward’
- Some argued vs grain collection targets
- were unwilling to identify kulaks (at time of liquidation)
- reluctant to remove Bourgeois specialists and managers.
- Reluctant to implement terror/ degree of terror demanded by Communists.
Ideological opposition to Stalin (Ryutin platform). How did this cause terror
- By 1932 signs of growing opposition vs Stalin’s leadership at higher levels.
- Former Moscow party secretary, Ryutin, circulated to the Central Committee a 200 page document that was highly critical of Stalin.
- Called Stalin the “evil genius of the Russian Revolution” and claimed he was “motivated by personal desire for power and revenge”.
- Urged for reforms to Stalin’s ‘personal dictatorship’, urging for Stalin’s removal from party
- Ryutin not executed until 1937 therefore Stalin’s control wasn’t fully established.
5 paragraphs for an essay on causes Great Terror by 1934
- Ideological/economic problems- Rapid industrialisation and forced
collectivisation
Managers refused levels of terror
Managers faked stats so more of economic crisi than seems. - Opposition/ Ryutin platform
Not removed until 1937, personal dictatorship not as strong as previously believed
3.Congress of Victors (17th Party Congress)
Stalin 927 votes, Kirov 1,225 votes
Increased Stalin’s paranoia - Terror economic> Shakyt trials of engineers, Menshevik trial of 1931, Trial of State Farm and Agricultural co-officials in 1933
- Stalin’s paranoia > execution of Kirov and NKVD leaders ( Yagoda, Yexhov, Beria)
Feared family and all party members on Old Bols vs him so removed any opposition
Overarching arguement= all show his desire to remain in power. Power and strength is more important than economic development as economic factors have a 2 fold reason to maintain power and authority by removing opposition
How did Stalin respond to the ideological/ economic causes of the Great Terror
- Responded in December 1932 by launching a CHITSKA (purge) in Moscow to root out elements of corruption and to fear workers and officers.
- By 1932, 22% of communist party members had lost their party cards (membership) This is also allowed for Stalin to remove opposition ( this is underlying reason for all of Stalin’s decisions regarding the terror).
- Saw clear attempts to re-establish control over party in regions and to expel mamebees who criticised party life.
How did ideological opposition to Stalin (Ryutin Platform) lead to the Great Terror
- By 1932 more signs of growing opposition to Stalin’s leadership at higher levels.
- Former Moscow party secretary, Ryutin circulated to Central Committee a 200 page document highly critical of Stalin.
- Ryutin claimed Stalin was the “Evil genius of the Russian Revolution” and was “motivated by his personal desire for power and revenge”
- Was also reference to Stalin’s ‘personal dictatorship’ and he urged for Stalin’s removal from the party.
- Fact that Ryutin wasn’t murdered until December 1937 shows Stalin didn’t have total authority as not enough power to remove political opposition.
What were the effects/outcomes of ideological opposition to Stalin (Ryutin platform)
- Stalin wanted death penalty for Ryutin.
- However Stalin was opposed by other members of the Politburo such as Kirov and Ordzhonikidze opposes Stalin so Ryutin wasn’t executed. Blow for Stalin and was a reminder that he was still subject to a majority in the Politburo
- Stalin also felt betrayed by Kirov and Ordzhonikidze.
- Stalin became increasingly paranoid (link to other para)
Why did Stalin introduce terror economics
Terror introduction had 2 vital purposes:
1) Allowed Stalin to blame economic problems on political enemies. Scapegoats first ongoing problems created by 5YPs, could be explained by presence of wreckers in workforce
Sent to gulags or executed as punishment
2. Huge reservoir of cheap labour in gulags and in steel cities
Examples of Stalin’s terror economics
1)Claimed wreckers were employed by Trotsky,Kamanev and Zinoviev and were working to sabotage Russian economy. Stalin creates scapegoats so not blamed for economic problems
2) Shakty Trials
Purge of workers in gulags and executions.
One of series of trials vs middle class or foreign background. Some Shot for sabotage.
Show trails and executions and gulags=scapegoats
Menshevik trials in 1931
Trial of State Farm and Agricultural co-officials in 1933
How did the 17th Party Congress (of Victors) lead to the Great Terror
Intended to celebrate Stalin’s economic achievements
Stalin lost in CC selection vote to Kirov
Kirov=1225 votes
Stalin=927 votes
Humiliating for Stalin and diminished his power as Kirov more popular.
Both made Secretary of Equal Bank and Stalin no longer secure as leader of Communist party. Could be removed or demoted and only had unswerving loyalty of 2 Politburo members, Kaganovich and Molotov.
Still very powerful
How did Stalin’s paranoia cause the Great Terror
Felt unable to trust many in power so wanted to remove political threats
Didn’t trust family or party members. Feared old Communists as firm supporters of Lenin and didn’t believe Stalin deserved his position.
Feared Secret Police and so killed 3 NKVD leaders
Shot Yogoda in 1938
Shot Yexhov in 1940
Shot Beria in 1956
