Theme 1- khrushchev Flashcards
How did de-stalinisation contradict Khrushchev?
It glossed over the fact that the politburo contained party members, including khrushchev, who had risen through the ranks by implementing Stalin’s policies.
Secret speech of 1956
khrushchev felt confident enough to stand up at the 20th party congress whereby he criticised Stalin. He criticised Stalin of creating a cult of personality, acting as a tyrant, using unnecessary terror and economic mistakes.
What key features happened as a result of de-stalinisation?
- regular meetings of the presidium
- more power to organisations at regional level
- party and governments were no longer sent to prison for failing to meet targets
- The secret police were brought firmly under party control. They could no longer be used by an individual to further their own interests.
- The secret police lost control over labour camps, whose economic resources had bolstered the power of the organisation.
- 2mil political prisoners were released from 1953 to 1960, but process was often slow and only 4% who applied for release returned to civilian life by 1955.
How did the population feel about these developments?
These developments were welcomed by the population, but fear did not disappear completely. Heavy punishments remained for corruption, and criticism outside the boundaries laid down by party leadership could result in internal exile. The population was also aware that the secret police had ever more sophisticated methods of surveillance.
What was the most controversial aspect of De-Stalinisation?
Proved to be his moves to decentralise decision-making. Powers were to be transferred from central ministries to regional councils. This move threatened to reduce power of party leaders.
What happened as a result of decentralising decision making in 1957?
This resulted in an attempt to remove Khrushchev from power which Khrushchev later called ‘Anti Party Group’. This opposition was led by Malenkov and Molotov, who persuaded the presidium to ask for Khrushchev’s resignation.
How did Khrushchev solve the crisis of 1957?
He demanded that the issue go to the Central Committee as it was they who appointed him so it should only be them that could remove him. It was a cunning move, packed with his allies, the Central Committee rejected the proposal.
What did Khrushchev defeating his rival echo?
Khrushchev had used his powers as First Secretary to secure his position. This pattern of dealing with rivals echoed that of the rise of Stalin.
How were there differences that showed real change had occurred?
Khrushchev’s opponents were no arrested or executed. Molotov became ambassador to Mongolia, Malenkov was put in charge of electricity.
How was Khrushchev’s power enhanced further in March 1958?
When he became Prime minister as well as First Secretary. Although now he headed both government and Party, it would be wrong to see Khrushchev as the all-powerful dictator like Stalin had become. Khrushchev’s power was subject to the authority of the Central Committee, and debate in the party was common.
Khrushchev’s reforms of the party?
After surviving the attempt to remove him in 1957, Khrushchev felt confident enough to further reform the party. These included:
- Stalin’s body removed from Red Square
- Major purge of local secretaries
- In 1962, Khrushchev divided the party into agricultural and industrial departments, a move that reduced the power of party officials.
- Khrushchev was going to put a limit to the length of which party officials could serve in post to 3 years. This move might of made the party more responsive to new ideas, but it was a serious threat to the power and privileges of party officials. Their resentment played a crucial role in Khrushchev’s downfall.
What were the reasons for the downfall of Khrushchev in 1964?
Economic mistakes, the humiliating back-down during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, his erratic and unpredictable behaviour. Khrushchev was a loose cannon and his conduct often reflected on his mood. He caused a stir in 1960 when he repeatedly banged his shoe on the table during a meeting in the United Nations. His failures in agricultural policy came to a head with a disastrous harvest in 1963.
How was Khrushchev removed?
In the end, it was the party that removed him from office. In 1964, the Central Committee decided to remove Khrushchev from his posts. His reforms in the party had made the bureaucrats uneasy. Removing Khrushchev was an attempt to preserve their power.
What does the fact that Khrushchev could be sacked and retired say about the party?
The fact he could just get sacked and retired reflected a sign of his impact on the party- it was perhaps his great success. As he later remarked- ‘Stalin would of have them shot.’
