Theme 1 - Emergence of Stalin as Sole leader of Russia

Question 1

Why was Stalin an unlikely leader

Answer 1

• Stalin was an unlikey successor to lenin because he was a:
• Poor Orator
• Street Thug
• Not a member of the intellencia
• Had a thick georgian accent so was seen as foreign

Question 2

What was Stalin’s role in the revolution

Answer 2

• During the revolution Stalin robbed banks to finance Bolshevism

Question 3

When did zinoviev and Kaminev attack trotsky

Answer 3

• 1924

Question 4

Describe the battle between Zinoviev + Kamineiv and Trotsky? What did Stalin do?

Answer 4

• Zinoview and Kaminev questioned Trotsky’s loyalty prior to 1917
• Trotsky repsonded by question Zinoviev & Kaminev’s unwillingness to back the october revolution
• Stalin acted as peacemaker and continued to build his power base

Question 5

What was Stalin’s view of Socalism

Answer 5

• “Socalism in one country”
• Proved popular with party members
• Appealed to theose in favour of NEP

Question 6

When did Stalin forge and alliance with the right, and who with particulary?

Answer 6

• 1925
• Forged an alliance with Bukarin after watching the left of the party tear itself apart

Question 6

Who opposed Stalin in 1925? What happened?

Answer 6

• Zinviev and Kaminev attacked Stalin in 1925
• Pressed for vote of no - confidence in Stalin and NEP
• Lost vote as Stalin had control of the delegates

Question 7

When was the “United opposition” formed

Answer 7

• 1926

Question 8

Who was in the “United oppostion”

Answer 8

• Zinoviev, Kaminev and Trostky

Question 9

Why was the “United Opposition” a retarded idea

Answer 9

• Lenin banned factions in 1921
• AND THEY LITTERALLY MADE A FACTION

Question 10

When were Zinoview, Kaminev and Trostsky expelled for “Factionalism”
- SHOCK HorROR

Answer 10

• 1927

Question 11

When did Stalin turn against the NEP and advocate for rapid industrialation (THE GREAT TURN)

Answer 11

• 1928

Question 12

Who launched a strong defense of the NEP? What was the outcome

Answer 12

• Bukarin
• Was outvoted in 1929

Question 13

When were the last of Stalin’s oppositions removed from Politburo

Answer 13

• Bukarin, Ryhov and Tomsky removed from Politburo
• Nov 1929

Question 14

Why did stalin resort to purges?

Answer 14

• In the 1930’s discontent with collectivation and industrialisation was increasing
• Old Bolsheviks horrified about treatment of the peasants
• Rumours about an attempt to replace Stalin
• Kirov was seen as a popular alternative - recieved a standing ovation for a speech advocating a more moderate approach
• Some calls for trostsky to be reinstated
• Stalin was growing Paranoid about assasination
• Beleived he was the only one who could modernise the USSR

Question 15

What happend at the 17th Party congress

Answer 15

1934
- - Stalin was “demoted” from General secretary to secretary of equal rank
- May have supported this to spread responsibility for economic crisis
- In theory no more important than other members e.g Kirov

Question 16

When was Kirov Killed

Answer 16

• December 1934

Question 17

What happened immedietly after Kirov’s death

Answer 17

• Stalin claimed a trotskyite conspiracy lead by Zinoviev to overthrow the party
• Day after Kirov’s death - Yagonda empowered to arrest & execute anyone guilty of “terrorist plotting”
• 6500 people arrested under this law in December

Question 18

When did Stalin arrest other members of the Party

Answer 18

• January 1935

Question 19

When was the Trial of the 16

Answer 19

• 1936

Question 20

Who were the main defendants of the trial of the 16

Answer 20

• Zinoviev and Kaminev

Question 21

What were the defendants in the trial of the 16 charged with

Answer 21

• Murder of Kirov, Disruption of the 5yr plan; conspiracy to overthrow the statw

Question 22

What was the outcome of the Trial of the 16

Answer 22

• Sentanced to death
• “Shoot the mad dogs - every last one of them”
• Judge Vyshinsky

Question 23

When was the trial of the 17

Answer 23

• 1937

Question 24

Who were the main defendants in the trail of the 17

Answer 24

• Trostky and other allies

Question 25

What were the defendants of the trail of the 17 charged with

Answer 25

• Plotting to overthrow the state; terrorism; sabotage

Question 26

What was the sentances for the trial of the 17

Answer 26

• 13 of 17 executed
• Remaining 4 sent to gulags

Question 27

When was the Trial of the 21

Answer 27

• 1938

Question 28

Who were the main defendants in the trial of the 21

Answer 28

• Bukaharin, Ryhov and “accomplices”

Question 29

What were the defendants in the trial of the 21 charged with

Answer 29

• Overthrow of Socialism
• Murder of Kirov
• Attempted assasination of lenin

Question 30

What was the outcome of the Trial of the 21

Answer 30

• Sentenced to death
• “Foul smelling heap of human garbage” - Judge Vyshinsky

Question 31

When was Yezhov arrested? What was the outcome

Answer 31

• Feb 1940
• Shot

Question 32

When was Trotsky killed

Answer 32

• 1940
• Mexico City

Question 33

What had stalin achieved by 1940

Answer 33

• Everyone with a greater claim to power had been removed
• He quashed sentences and restored faith in the system
• Blamed Yezov for the terror
• Had absolute control over the state and its people