The POWER Struggle Flashcards
What is the Trotsky’s Ideology of the Permanant Revolution?
T believed following Bols I that socialism couldnt be achieved without a socialist Rev in the West. As the WC was underdevelped, so needed support from European WC. So Russia should help WC in Europe stage their Revs= they should continue fighting a Permanant Revolution unto a WORLD REV is achieved.
How does Stalins ideology differ to Trotsky’s?
S was realistic and knew a world Rev was a NO. So he thought they could built a socialist state themselves. Completely different to T who believed they must wait, S was pragmatic! = Socialism in One Country = S could attack T for his lack of faith in the people. + Rebrand him as a Menshevik (abusive term) = in 1924 Jan vote against T
Why was; the role of the INDIVIDUAL a factor of success?
S seemed safe and was likeable, good at pitting people against each other. The underdog underestimated.
Importance of Ideology?
S believed the NEP was unworkable in NEP, and could only be maintained with concessions the peasants wouldnt permit. Which wouldnt build socialism, so much revert to the strategy of Lenin’s War Communism.
Stalin’s control of the Party?
Allowed him to build up a following + remove rivals. Highly important factor in his success, as he could minupulate without people knowing he was.
Lenin’s concept of the Party/
Lenin was Organised, centralised and disclipined, which would lead to a centralised leader S. As T warned in 1904.
The impact of social and cultural factors?
Post-Rev time, after the civil war, reinforcing the authoritarian, disclipined structure and obeying orders. Frustation with the NEP meant workers supported S.
Luck?
S was lucky that L died in Jan 1924, and the favourite for the role Sverdlov also died so S began General Secretary.
