The rule of Stalin Flashcards
What was the ideological divide between Trotsky and Stalin expressed as?
A clash between their opposing notions of ‘permanent revolution’ and ‘socialism in one country’
Trotsky’s politics were inspired by his belief in ‘permanent revolution’ which was made up of what key ideas?
- Revolution was not a single event
but a permanent (continuous)
process in which risings took place
from country to country. - Events in Russia since 1917 simply a
first step towards worldwide
revolution of the proletariat. - Individual nations did not matter.
Interests of the international
working class were permanent. - True revolutionary socialism could
be achieved in the USSR only if an
international uprising took place.
What did Trotsky believe was a problem with the vast peasant population and undeveloped proletariat?
- The USSR could not survive alone in
a hostile world. Russia would prove
incapable of holding its own against
conservative Europe. - He argued unless their was an
international revolution the soviet
union would go under.
Summarise Trotsky’s ‘Permanent revolution’.
- Revolution a continuous process
- Russian revolution only first step
- Goal was international proletarian
revolution. - Individual nations did not matter
- USSR safe only if international rising
occurred.
Stalins politics were inspired by his belief in ‘Socialism on one country’ which was made up of what key ideas?
The nations first task was to consolidate Lenin’s revolution and the rule of the CPSU by turning the USSR into a modern state, capable of defending itself against its internal and external enemies. The Soviet union must therefore work to:
- Overcome present agricultural and
industrial problems by its own
unaided efforts
- Build a modern state, the equal of
any nation in world.
- Make survival of Soviet Union
priority, even if this meant
suspending efforts to create
international revolution.
How did Stalin portray Trotsky as an enemy of the Soviet union?
- Used the contrast between the
ideologies. - Trotsky’s ideas were condemned as
an affront to Lenin and the
Bolshevik revolution.
Summarise Stalin’s ‘Socialism in one country’.
- Modernisation by USSR’s own
efforts’ - Survival of the USSR an absolute
priority. - Suspension of efforts at
international revolution.
Who were the leading figures in the leadership struggle?
Stalin, Trotsky, Zinoviev, Kamenev, Bukharin, Rykov, Mikhail Tomsky.
Who was Stalin as a figure in the leadership struggle?
- Not played a key role in events of
1917. - Made editor of Pravda + given seat
in executive committee of the
Petrograd soviet. - Initially pro war, but then become
devoted Lenin follower. - Following 1917 rev, made
commissar for nationalists, Gained
Lenin’s trust. - Stalin disobeyed orders during civil
war when he was sent defend city of
Tsaritsyn. Removed from post. - Showed tendency to disobey orders
from centre. - Elected into Politburo.
- May 1919 Lenin puts him in charge
of Orgburo. - 1922, appointed as parties first
general secretary, at head of
secretariat, in charge of general
organisation.
Who was Trotsky as a candidate in the leadership struggle?
- Could rival Lenin in intellect. Great
writer and orator. - Popular with younger, more radical
elements of party. - Large contributions, 1917-24. near
enough equal to Lenin. - Played crucial role in effective
organisation of red army in CW. - Often arrogant and alienated other
Bolsheviks. - Many regard him as outsider, only
joined 1917. - This was wrong, He was loyal, often
accepted decision he disagreed with
to avoid damaging party. - Liked to hammer out argument in
writing or verbally. - From late 1923 suffered bouts of
fever, absent for crucial politburo
votes.
Who was Zinoviev as a candidate in the leadership struggle?
- One of the earliest Bolsheviks.(1903)
- Worked closely with Lenin before
1917 rev, arrived with Lenin at
Finland station 1917. - Opposed the armed uprising in
October, fell out with Lenin,
preferred idea of socialist coalition. - Not given position in Sovnarkom,
given party secretary title in
Leningrad. - Made chairman of Comintern.
Became full member of Politburo
1921. - Good orator, not an intellectual.
- Not popular, seen as vain,
incompetent and cowardly.
Who was Kamenev as a candidate in the leadership struggle?
- Able and early Bolshevik (1903).
- Close collaborator with Lenin while
abroad from 1907 - 1917. - Major contributor to party doctrine
and had heated debates with Lenin
who regarded him as able and
reliable. - Opposed October rev, wanted
socialist coalition, lost influence. - Became commissar for foreign
trade, becoming a member of
politburo. - Too soft to become real leader, but
was party secretary in Moscow =
strong support base in Moscow.
Who was Bukharin as a candidate in the leadership struggle?
- One of the younger generation of
Bolsheviks. - Important theorist, argued with
Lenin about political strategy. - Leading role in Pravda 1917.
- Led left-wing opposition to signing
of treaty of Brest-Litovsk. 1920-21
criticized Lenin and Trotsky in trade
union contreversy. - Became full member of Politburo in
1922. - Intellectually inquisitive.
- Lenin called him the ‘golden boy’ of
party and ‘biggest and most
valuable theoretician in party’ - Enjoyed life and very popular.
Who was Rykov as a candidate in the leadership struggle?
- Chairman of Veshenhka (supreme
economic council), later succeeded
Lenin as chairman of Sovnarkom
having been his deputy from 1921. - Outspoken, frank, direct and did
not always endear himself to
colleagues. - Strong supporter of NEP and
opposed any return to war
communism. - Notorious drinker.
Who was Mikhail Tomsky as a candidate in the leadership struggle?
- Factory worker, trade unionist, and
Bolshevik leader. Soviet leader of
the all Russian Central Council of
trade unions. - His labour activities radicalized him
politically and led him to become a
socialist and join the SD’s party in- Eventually joining Bolshevik faction of party.
- Sentenced to 5 years of hard labour
for political activities. Freed by prov
gov after Feb rev 1917. He then
participated in October rev. - 1920, General secretary of the red
international of labour unions. - Elected into central committee in
March 1919 and then Orgburo in
1921.
What was the position of Stalin before the power struggle?
- General secretary from 1922 +
member of Orgburo and
secretariat = enormous power over
policy and personnel of the party. - Ban of factions in 1921 potentially a
devastating weapon in hands of
man who could control votes at
party congress.
How did Stalin strike two knockout blows at Lenin’s funeral?
- Tricked Trotsky into not turning up
for the funeral, severely damaged
Trotsky’s reputation and political
prestige. - He made most of funeral, setting
himself as Lenin’s disciple, the
person who would carry on Lenin’s
work.
How did Stalin dodge a knockout blow in 1924?
- Krupskya gave Stalin’s secret
testament to the central commitee
in May 1924, just before 13th party
congress. - If read out at congress it would have
spelt the end of Stalin’s career. - But, Zinoviev and Kamenev argued
that it should not become general
knowledge because: It was not very
flattering to them, due to opposition
to Lenin in 1917, believed Stalin was
no real threat, needed his help to
defeat Trotsky, They thought the
testament might help Trotsky.
How was Trotsky’s chances in danger at 13th congress 1924?
- Zinoviev, Kamenev and Stalin all
effectively leading party
triumvirate, presented party politics
at the congress. - Trotsky criticised the party for
becoming bureaucratic and less
democratic. Despite making brilliant
speeches, Trotsky is defeated in
votes. - Becuase congress was packed with
‘well instructed delegates’ as well as
powerful characters being conrolled
by Zinoviev and Kamenev.
Describe the conflict of the left (left slugs it out) in 1924?
- Zinoviev, Kamenev mounted
vicious campaigns against Trotsky
raising the question of his loyalty
and his opposition to Lenin before
1917. - Trotsky retaliated by attacking them
in lessons of October, where he
criticised their unwillingness to back
lenin in 1917 revolution. - Stalin sat in background happy to
see
left tear itself apart, building up
powerbase. - Still frightened by Trotsky, Zin +
Kamenev allowed Stalin to bring
more of his supporters in to key
positions in party, forming the
majorities at committees and at
conferences.
What was the Knockout blow for the left in 1925?
- 1925 Stalins policy of ‘socialism in
one country’ proved very popular
with party members, attracting right
wing of party because fit in with
NEP. - New alliance emerged between
Stalin in the centre and Bukharin in
the right, supporting NEP and
cooperation with peasants. - 14th party congress, Zin + Kam
attacked Stalin calling for vote of no
confidence, end of NEP and tough
line against peasants. - Stalins new control shown, they lost
every vote as Stalin controlled
delegates. - Zin + Kam joined Trotsky in ‘united
opposition’, tried to organise
demonstrations against Stalin.
Mistake as they could now be
accused of factionalism. - Lost all positions of power, expelled
from party.
What was the Knockout blow for the right, eventually leading to Stalin being the undisputed leader of the USSR in Dec 1929?
- 1928, Stalin turns against NEP,
attacks right of party. - Now advocated for rapid
industrialisation and use of force to
make peasants co-operate. - The
very policies of left he had just
smashed. - Bukharin mounted good response/
defence of NEP, but in congress in
1929 found himself outvoted by
Stalin’s supporters who were joined
by those on left who had
supported anti-NEP. - Bukharin and other right-wing
leaders (Rykov + Tomsky) removed
from Politburo and other party
bodies.
Describe the origins of the Stalin cult.
- Stalin adopts modest image after
Lenin’s death - wants to be seen as
hard working man of moderation - Takes on mantle of Lenin’s
disciple/servant of the party. - ‘Stalin is the Lenin of today” is
common phrase. - Tsaritsyn renamed Stalingrad in his
honour in 1925.
Describe the Stalin Cult underway 1929-33.
- 1929 50th birthday - 350 greetings
(including from orgs that don’t
exist!). - Stalin portrayed as Lenin’s faithful
pupil. - Applause for Stalin at congress gets
longer.
-Portraits of Marx, Engels, Lenin and
Stalin appear on special occasions.
How did Stalin fully establish the Stalin cult 1933-1939?
- Stalin’s image used to reassure
people they have a strong leader. - Paintings, poems and sculptures
promote Stalin cult. - Socialist realist art glorifies Stalin’s
role as leader. - ‘History of the All Union Communist
Party’ published in 1938 - history
reinterpreted in Stalin’s favour. - War looms - image even more that
of all-powerful leader.
Describe the height of the Stalin cult post 1945.
- Stalin’s image is everywhere - power
is cemented by his success as a war
leader. - Childhood home becomes a shrine.
- Increasingly portraits show him in
God-like solitude, superior and
apart. - The celebrations of his 70th
birthday are v. elaborate - galas and
greetings almost every day from
21st Dec 1949 - Aug 1951.
What were the main targets of the first 5 year plan 1928-32?
- Double national income.
- Transition into industrial
powerhouse. - Rapid expansion of heavy industry.
- New modern machinery.
- 350% increase in output.
- Collectivisation of farms.
What were the main successes of the first 5 year plan 1928-32?
- 1933, increase of 50% in output.
- Increase in heavy industry
workforce from 3.02M to 6.01M. - Capital goods increased 150%.
- Consumer goods increased.
- Recognition from foreign countries
as powerhouse.
What were the main failures of the first 5 year plan 1928-32?
- Millions died (6-7M - famine).
- Food production couldn’t keep pace.
- Dekulakisation - Eliminated Kulaks,
essentially a genocide of this class.
What were the main targets of the second 5 year plan Jan 1933 - Dec 1937?
- Expansion of railway system,
increase level of freight able to be
carried. - Improve efficiency of workforce
(training schemes). - Boost industrial growth.
What were the main successes of the second 5 year plan Jan 1933 - Dec 1937?
- More resources were employed to
improve consumer industries. - New training schemes introduces
economy to better skills and
encourages workers to be better. - Invested into rail industry, to
boost/increase volume of freight it
was able to carry. - 34-36 ‘3 good years’. = general
increase in industrial output,
improvements in footwear
production and food processing.
What were the main failures of the second 5 year plan Jan 1933 - Dec 1937?
- Purges deprived economy of skillfull
personnel, helping in causing
economic slowdown + many
planners purged, reducing ability to
plan well.
What were the main targets of the third 5 year plan Jan 1938 - Dec 1941?
- As war approached more resources
to be put into armaments and
constructing military factories.
What were the main successes of the third 5 year plan Jan 1938 - Dec 1941?
- increase in industrial output.
- Industrial growth up 12%
What were the main failures of the third 5 year plan Jan 1938 - Dec 1941?
- Fuel crisis when the oil industry
failed to meet its target. - Like plan 2, planning in confused
state due to purges. - Had intended to focus on consumer
goods but ended up being more on
preparation for war.
What were the overall successes of the 5 year plans?
- Heavy industry = biggest success.
- Industrial production between 1927
and 1940 saw a massive increase. - e.g 1927, USSR produced 35M
tonnes of coal, by 1940, that
number had increased to 165.9M
tonnes. - Steel went from 4M tonnes to 18.3M
tonnes. - Achieved by building new factories
and more efficient exploitation of
natural resources. - Efficiency of transport greatly
improved. e.g Moscow metro lines
opened in 1935. - The increase in transportation was
useful for moving people around
quicker, thus increasing
productivity.
What were the overall failures of the 5 year plans?
- The aims were unrealistic in the
time frame they allocated for. - Over emphasis of heavy industry.
- Poor balance between sectors of
industry. - Neglect of agriculture.
- No attention to workers needs.
- Soviet union not modernised well
enough to be truly competitive.
Name the 3 phases of Stalin’s purges.
- Chistka (1932-35)
- Show trials (1936-38)
- Yezhovshchina (37-38)
Describe the Chistka phase of the purges. (1932-35)
- December 1932 begins - by 1935,
22% of party ‘cleared out’. - Targets passive resistance “those
who do not carry out decisions but
cast doubt upon decisions by calling
them unrealistic or unreliable”. - 5Y plan1, Moscow has difficulties
getting local party secretaries to
implement instructions.
Describe the Show trials phase of the purges. (1936-38)
- Prominent ‘old Bolsheviks’ publicly
tried and executed.- Aug 36: Zinoviev, Kamenev +14
others - Jan 37: Radek, Pyatokov +15
others - March 38: Bukharin, Rykov,
Yagoda + 18 others
- Aug 36: Zinoviev, Kamenev +14
- Public show trial creates
atmosphere of danger. - First show trial crossed line: central
committee executed. - Evidence invariably flimsy - e.g.
accused in prison at time of offense,
or hotel not existing. - Accused always confessed, to spare
families.
Describe the Yezhovschina phase of the purges. (1937-38)
- Yezhov replaces yagoda sept 1936.
- Mass terror: thousands of party
members, soldiers,
industrial directors, state officials
were denounced and arrested. - They were often executed.
- July 1937 Politburo condemns ‘anti-
Soviet elements. Yezhov compiles
list of 250k. - Quota system introduced for
regions: 200k to be arrested,
proportion to be shot fixed at 28% -
rest were sentenced to ten years
hard labour. - Arrests = interrogation and further
denunciations to save execution, e.g
Odessa, single man denounces 230. - Military would not be intimidated so
Stalin purged from 1937 = all 11
commissars, 3/5 marshals, 60/70
corps commanders, 136/199
divisional commanders, 37k officers
= imprisoned or shot. - Those not killed sent to gulags,
forced labour killed many, 100k died
building white sea canal.
Describe the end of Stalin’s purges.
- 18th party congress, March 1939:
Stalin declares end to mass purges. - Scale of purges decimating Russia, -
administrative systems collapsing
because of the missing people. - Stalin blames Yezhov and NKVD,
replaces Yezhov with Beria. Arrests
and shoots Yezhov. - Trotsky asassinated 1940.
What was Collectivisation?
Collectivisation was a policy introduced by Stalin in the late 1920s to transform Soviet agriculture from small, individual farms into large collective farms.
It aimed to increase agricultural productivity, generate surplus for industrialisation, and consolidate control over the countryside.
What were Stalin’s methods for collectivisation?
Forced requisitioning of grain from peasants to feed urban populations and export for revenue.
The creation of collective farms (kolkhozes) where land, equipment, and animals were pooled together and managed collectively.
Violent suppression of resistance and opposition from kulaks (wealthy peasants) who resisted collectivisation.
What were the effects of collectivisation?
Widespread famine and starvation, particularly in Ukraine during the Holodomor of 1932-1933, due to grain requisitioning and mismanagement.
Destruction of traditional peasant ways of life and resistance to collectivisation.
Agricultural output initially declined due to disruption and resistance, but eventually increased under state control.
Social and economic transformation of the countryside, with peasants becoming state employees rather than independent farmers.
What was the legacy of collectivisation?
Collectivisation led to significant human suffering and loss of life, but it also laid the groundwork for Soviet industrialisation by generating surplus agricultural produce for urban consumption and export.
It consolidated Stalin’s control over the Soviet Union and eliminated potential sources of opposition in the countryside.
Collectivization left a lasting legacy of trauma and distrust towards the state among rural populations in the Soviet Union.
Give some collectivisation stats.
Number of Collective Farms (Kolkhozes):
By the end of 1930, there were approximately 250,000 collective farms established across the Soviet Union.
By the mid-1930s, the number of collective farms had grown significantly, with millions of peasants enrolled in collective farming.
Acreage of Collectivized Land:
By the early 1930s, around 60-70% of agricultural land in the Soviet Union had been collectivized.
The exact acreage varied by region, with some areas achieving higher levels of collectivization than others.
