The Terror/Purges

Question 1

Why did Stalin view Kirov as a threat?

Answer 1

1. He disagreed with Stalin’s policies (likely to challenge him)
2. His moderate stance made him popular. (He could use this to gain power and influence)
3. He was gaining power. (Stalin was more vulnerable to attack and Kirov had greater influence over the party)

Question 2

Why did the purges happen?

Answer 2

1. Need for slave labour. (Applebaum)
2. Genuine internal and external threat.
3. They were radicalised from below.
4. Ideological reasons.
5. They weren’t a plan. They’re separate, unconnected events.
6. Stalin was paranoid

Question 3

In what year did the Ezhovchina begin and the forged army documents were found?

Answer 3

1937.

Question 4

How many were dismissed from the army?

Answer 4

23,000

Question 5

Fact about army marshals?

Answer 5

By December 1938 3/5 were killed.

Question 6

How much did the army grow by?

Answer 6

1936: 1 million members
1941: 5 million members

Question 7

When were the controlled expulsions from the party? When were the unofficial expulsions?

Answer 7

1. 1933-36

2. 1936-38

Question 8

When did poor production become a crime?

Answer 8

1940

Question 9

Why did Stalin hold show trials of leading Bolsheviks?

Answer 9

1. Paranoid about threats to his power.
2. Wanted revenge on old opponents.
3. To scare people and showcase his ruthlessness.
4. Needed scapegoats for the country’s problems.
5. Genuine threats - the army, people reading Trostky’s magazine

Question 10

When did Hitler occupy Czechoslovakia?

Answer 10

1939.

Question 11

Story of Zinoviev and Kaminev.

Answer 11

1928: Expelled from the Party.
Back in the Party a few months later.

Arrested for Kirov’s murder 1935, but continue living in Party accommodation until the show trial in 1936.