unit 4 Flashcards
character and ability of stalin
His megalomania went hand in hand with psychopathic tendencies.
This was also fueled by paranoia- he increasingly distrusted family, party
members etc who were actually loyal to him.
In 1905 he represented local branches of the Bolshevik Party, Georgia and South Russia,
at conferences.
Before 1917, had responsibility for raising funds for the party, albeit illegal means (bank
hold-ups, train robberies etc.)
Up to this time Stalin had been arrested on 8 occasions and sentenced to prison and
exile.
1928-1933 he planned the economy and police state
In 1928 the 1st Five Year Plan implemented, collectivisation programme in 1928
Management of resources during 1939-1941
how did Making and
breaking alliances help stalin gain power
1924: Zinoviev and Kamenev attacked Trotsky, questioning his loyalty to Lenin and his role in the revolution. Stalin stayed in the background, allowing the three to discredit themselves, positioning himself as the neutral peacemaker.
1926: Zinoviev and Kamenev formed a “united Opposition” with Trotsky, appealing to the party masses against Stalin. This alliance was seen as factionalism, leading to their expulsion from the Communist Party in 1927.
how did creating hegemony through political policy help stalin gain power
General Secretary: Stalin controlled the Politburo agenda, selected delegates for the Party Congress, and managed promotions within the Communist Party.
1925, Fourteenth Party Congress: Zinoviev and Kamenev attacked Stalin, calling for a no-confidence vote and an end to NEP. However, Stalin’s control over the party machine meant they were easily defeated.
Stalin’s Policies: Initially supported NEP and aligned with Zinoviev and Kamenev (the Triumvirate) to win the 1924 vote. His policies often reflected the mood of the Party members, making him responsive to the political climate.
how did pragmatism help stalin gain power
Background: Stalin came from a peasant family, which helped him understand ordinary Russians’ perspectives. This practical, down-to-earth nature made him well-suited for managing the increasingly bureaucratic Communist Party, leading to his 1912 appointment to the Central Committee.
1924 Lenin’s Funeral: Stalin purposely sent Trotsky the wrong date for Lenin’s funeral, positioning himself as the chief mourner. This move allowed him to absorb Lenin’s prestige and present himself as the true heir to Leninism.
Tactical Meetings: Stalin developed a strategy to have the final say in discussions while presenting himself as merely the spokesperson for the party line. This made him seen as the most loyal representative of the party and a unifying figure within the Party.
how did luck and external weaknesses help stalin gain power
Sverdlov’s Death (1919): Stalin benefited from Sverdlov’s death, as Lenin needed a capable administrator. This vacancy allowed Stalin to quickly rise through the ranks due to his administrative skills, taking on more power within the party.
Trotsky’s Absence: Trotsky was ill during key moments of the power struggle, missing Lenin’s funeral and several important Politburo meetings, which gave Stalin an advantage in consolidating power.
Debate on ‘Socialism in One Country’: Stalin promoted the idea of ‘Socialism in One Country,’ which argued that the USSR could build socialism independently. In contrast, Trotsky, Zinoviev, and Kamenev pushed for ‘permanent revolution,’ believing that global socialist uprisings were necessary. However, Stalin’s vision had more popular support among the population at the time.
rivalries within the bolshevik party under stalin
May 1922: Lenin suffered a severe stroke; during his recovery, Stalin and Kamenev formed the Triumvirate (Troika) with Zinoviev to challenge Trotsky’s growing influence as Lenin’s successor.
Troika Strategy: The trio met privately before party meetings to decide strategy and control votes within the Politburo.
September 1922: Lenin returned to work but suspicious of the Triumvirate’s behind-the-scenes actions, and sought Trotsky’s help to form a ‘bloc against bureaucracy’ (targeting Stalin).
Dec 1922: Lenin second stroke. Stalin took control of Lenin’s medical care, limits visitors and communication. Lenin became isolated and unable to oppose Stalin effectively.
United Opposition (1926): Trotsky, Zinoviev, and Kamenev formed the United Opposition group, opposing the NEP and demanding more ‘free speech’ within the Politburo.
1927: Trotsky, Zinoviev, and Kamenev were removed from the Politburo.
1929: Trotsky was exiled from the USSR, solidifying Stalin’s control.
left wing v right wing of party
All 5 contenders had the same vision for Russia and communism. However, they disagreed on how it was to be achieved. Following the death of Lenin, senior Bolshevik leaders continued to promote Leninism, but disagreed on what this actually meant.
The left-wing of the Party followed the form of Leninism established during the Civil War, when Lenin was at his most radical, in which money, capitalism and private property had been forcibly abolished (i.e. War Communism). The left were represented by Trotsky.
However, the right-wing of the Party favoured the form of Leninism established after 1921 and the NEP - a time of peace, rather than war, and a focus on education and gradual change, instead of immediate revolutionary change. The right-wing were represented by Bukharin. Zinoviev and Kamenev switched from right to left in 1925, ultimately losing their credibility.
cult of personality stalin - newspapers and cencorship
Propaganda through Newspapers:
Stalin used ‘Pravda’ and ‘Izvestiya’ to promote himself and his policies.
These were primarily aimed at Party members, with unclear reach among ordinary Russians.
Government Censorship:
The Glavlit (censorship office) controlled publications under the secret police.
Stalin expanded its power, banning authors and removing rivals from history.
Example: The 1920 Lenin speech photo was altered to remove Trotsky and Kamenev.
Overuse of Stalin’s Name:
A Communist supporter complained about the excessive use of Stalin’s name: “Everything is Stalin, Stalin, Stalin.”
This may have had the opposite effect, making people skeptical.
groups and membership- stalins cult of personality
Soviet Youth Organisations for Indoctrination:
Little Octobrists (under 9), Young Pioneers (under 14), and Komsomol (14-28) were used to promote loyalty to Stalin.
Komsomol Growth & Role:
Membership increased fivefold (1929-1941).
Members informed on critics, worked on economic projects, and were used in parades.
Recruitment Struggles:
Rural women were difficult to recruit (only 8% of members during the NEP).
In 1935, Komsomol introduced class-blind policies, but this led to a decline in working-class membership and an increase in educated youth, contradicting Communist ideals.
stakenhovite movement 1935 - CoP lenin
Purpose: Propaganda campaign to boost worker productivity.
Origin: Named after Aleksei Stakhanov, who mined 102 tons of coal in under 6 hours (14x quota).
Records Broken:
Nikita Izotov mined 640 tons in one shift (1936).
Spread to other industries (automobiles, shoes, textiles).
Impact
Labour productivity rise:
41% increase in First Five-Year Plan.
82% increase in Second Five-Year Plan.
Worker Opposition: Some resented the pressure, and critics were labeled “wreckers”.
art and cinema - CoP stalin
Art and Cinema under Stalin
Art
Purpose: Promote Communist ideology, glorify the worker, traditional values, and state power.
Socialist Realism: Art had to celebrate and inspire workers (e.g., murals of collective farms, sculptures of factories and power stations).
State-Sanctioned Art: Shostakovich’s music, grandiose architecture, and monumental buildings.
Cinema
Used for propaganda: Promoted collectivisation and Five-Year Plans.
Sergei Eisenstein’s films:
October (1928) depicted the 1917 Revolution as a popular uprising.
Over 1,000 cinemas existed by 1917.
Popular Culture & Resistance
State-controlled media conformed to Stalinism, but an underground culture developed.
Jokes, songs, and poems often mocked Stalin and the government.
criticism of stalin/ CoP fake
Some Party members still preferred collective leadership and felt Stalin’s rule was against Lenin’s ideals.
Intellectuals and experienced Party members saw the absurdity of Stalin’s glorification.
Some workers in the 1930s objected to the constant declarations of love for Stalin.
by 1938, excessive propaganda became counterproductive, leading to cynicism
Some Communists were frustrated by the excessive use of Stalin’s name.
An anonymous letter warned that constant propaganda could backfire.
support for stalin/ CoP real
Petitions and Letters
Millions of letters were sent to Stalin, often beginning with cult-like greetings.
Stalin was seen as a fatherly figure, while local officials were criticized for failures.
Support for Stalin
Stakhanovites, soldiers, and young intelligentsia admired Stalin for their social mobility.
Industrialisation and collectivisation were seen as Stalin’s achievements.
Nikita Khrushchev was an example of someone who rose to power under Stalin
Even among his critics, many respected Stalin as a strong leader, comparing him to Peter the Great.
He was credited with industrializing the USSR and turning it into a world power.
On his death in 1953, even victims of his repression mourned due to the depth of his cult of personality.
Stalin’s image penetrated all areas of society, providing stability and unity during rapid change.
great terror : what was it + the first great terror
The Use of Purges and Terror in the Communist Party
Early Purges (1918–1920s)
First purge in 1918 under Lenin, followed by periodic chistki (purges) in the 1920s.
Used to regain control of the Party, especially after recruitment surges during crises.
Early purges were non-violent, often involving expulsions rather than arrests.
Escalation of Terror (Late 1920s–Early 1930s)
OGPU (secret police) gained power, enforcing house arrests (e.g., Zinoviev, Kamenev) and spying on Bukharin.
Dekulakisation (1928 onward) led to mass exile of 10 million peasants to labour camps.
Workers and engineers were accused of sabotage and subjected to show trials.
Terror was used to drive industrialisation under Stalin’s Five-Year Plans.
The Great Terror (1936–1938)
Began after the murder of Sergei Kirov (1934), marking a shift towards violent Party purges.
Old Bolshevik leaders executed, extending terror to wider Soviet society.
Unlike Lenin, who targeted external opposition, Stalin unleashed terror within the Party.
Lenin vs. Stalin: Use of Terror
Lenin’s Red Terror (1918–1922) targeted anti-Bolshevik forces (White Army, Mensheviks, bourgeoisie).
Stalin’s Great Terror (1936–1938) purged Party members, spreading fear within the Communist elite.
Stalin’s terror was more extreme, leading to mass executions and millions sent to the Gulag.
congress of victors and paranoia under stalin
The Central Committee Vote (1934)
Unexpected vote against Stalin’s re-election on the final day of the Congress.
Kirov received 1,225 votes, significantly more than Stalin’s 927 votes.
A group of old Bolsheviks encouraged Kirov to stand as General Secretary, but he refused.
Stalin found out about the proposal, leading to deepening suspicion and paranoia.
The ‘Congress of Victors’ Becomes the ‘Congress of the Damned’
Initially praised for economic progress, including a strong harvest and industrial gains.
Former Oppositionists acknowledged their past ‘sins’ and publicly praised Stalin.
70% of elected members (98 out of 139 candidates) were later arrested and shot.
Stalin’s Growing Suspicion of Rivals
Zinoviev, Kamenev, and Bukharin were still in the Party, but Stalin distrusted their loyalty.
These leaders had heard Lenin’s Testament, which deemed Stalin unfit for leadership.
Stalin feared that they were waiting for an opportunity to overthrow him.
Concerns Over the Red Army and Secret Police
The Red Army (formerly led by Trotsky) and the OGPU (secret police) were powerful but not entirely loyal to Stalin.
Yagoda (second in command of the OGPU) manipulated Stalin’s paranoia by reporting discontent in the countryside over collectivisation.
Cult of Personality in Petitions and Letters
Millions of petitions and letters were sent to Stalin and Communist leaders.
Criticism was directed at local officials, while Stalin was praised as a saviour.
Letters frequently began with cult-like greetings, such as ‘Dear Comrade Stalin! Our beloved vozhd’.
terror economic
he Role of ‘Wreckers’ in the Economy
Economic difficulties in the Five-Year Plans were blamed on ‘wreckers’ within the workforce.
These ‘wreckers’ were accused of being agents of Trotsky, Zinoviev, and Kamenev, deliberately sabotaging the economy.
Evidence for this economic motive includes:
Shakhty Engineers Trial (1928) – Engineers accused of industrial sabotage.
Menshevik Trial (1931) – Former Mensheviks accused of wrecking economic progress.
State Farm and Agricultural Officials Trial (1933) – Officials convicted of undermining Soviet agriculture.
Outcome: Many accused were sent to prison camps, providing cheap forced labour for major Soviet construction projects, such as Magnitogorsk.
Labour and Execution Statistics
In 1936, out of 274,670 convictions, only 1,118 resulted in execution.
The majority were sent to prison camps, increasing the pool of exploitable workers.
Despite economic hardships, the First Five-Year Plan achieved 14% annual industrial growth, outperforming capitalist economies struggling with the Great Depression.
2 show trial examples
The Trial of the Sixteen (1936)
- Charges: Conspiring with foreign powers, plotting to disrupt the Five-Year Plans, and overthrow the government.
- Key Figures: Zinoviev and Kamenev (former allies of Stalin).
- Outcome: Both were forced to confess (under threat of torture) and were executed despite promises of pardon.
- Aftermath: 43 other high-ranking officials were disappeared.
The Trial of the Seventeen (1937)
- Charges: Plotting with foreign powers, terrorism, sabotage, and links to Trotsky.
- Key Figure: Trotskyists and supporters.
- Tactics: Yezhov’s “conveyor belt interrogation” (torture and sleep deprivation).
- Outcome: 13 out of 17 executed, 4 sent to Gulags.
- Deception: Evidence was fabricated—including a false confession to Kirov’s murder.
HOWEVER: The purges of the early 1930s began largely peacefully. Party members who failed to implement collectivisation adequately
or disagreed with Stalin’s attempts to get rid of Kulaks simply lost their Party card. This reduced total membership of the
Communist Party by about one tenth.
gulag system
- Prison Population: By 1941, approximately 3.35 million prisoners were in the Gulag system, which included 1 million families of kulaks and political dissidents in special settlements.
- Economic Role: The Gulags served as labour hubs that provided cheap, forced labour for Soviet industrial projects, particularly those tied to the Five-Year Plans. Those who died in the camps were often labeled as enemies of the state.
- The annual death rate in the camps by the end of the Great Terror was approximately 91 per 1,000 prisoners, meaning nearly one in every 11 prisoners would die in an average year due to the brutal conditions
HOWEVER: Dissidence within the gulags amongst some prisoners e.g. slow
work and falsifying work production statistics. Emergence of
some religious and cultural practices.
IMPACTS OF GREAT TERROR
Social Impact
- Family and Education: Children of purged individuals faced social ostracism, including humiliation at school and expulsion from universities.
- Public Disownment: Children were often required to publicly disown their parents, contributing to the destruction of families.
Economic Impact
- Workforce Disruption: The purges affected key sectors like coal mining, with a quarter of management purged between 1936-1938, leading to a decline in productivity.
- Economic Confusion: Industrialists inflated their results to avoid being targeted, creating economic chaos and inefficiency.
Political Impact
- Purges in Key Institutions: The Gosplan (economic planning body) and local economic management were hit hard, leading to inefficiency in planning.
- Blame Shift: Stalin directed the public discontent towards local officials, portraying himself as the saviour while scapegoating others for economic failures.
STALINS AIMS FOR COLLECTIVISATION
State control of rural areas. Peasants had too much control over grain i.e. grain predicament crisos 1927-1929
Ideology: Socialism in the countryside and diminished the power of the Kulaks
Increase production: foodstuffs and increase income to fund FYPs. Harvest of 1927, 1928, 1929 were poor.
Consolidation of power: Internal support and move away from Lenin. Challenges Bukharin
IMPACTS OF COLLECTIVISATION POLITICAL:
Peasant Resistance: Between 1929 and 1931, peasants staged widespread protests, burning crops, barns, and killing livestock in opposition to collectivisation. 25%-30% of farm animals were slaughtered and consumed by starving peasants.
Military Intervention: Stalin deployed an army of 25,000 urban party activists to enforce collectivisation and suppress resistance.
internal:
- Unity within the Party: The Party was united under Stalin during collectivisation, as many party members rallied behind him and blamed the kulaks and peasant saboteurs for the nation’s difficulties.
- Support for Stalin: Fearing a return to Civil War, many Party members, especially those on the Left-wing, supported Stalin’s policies and viewed his actions as a heroic return to War Communism.
ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF COLLECTIVISATION
- Grain Exports: Rose from 0.03 million tonnes in 1928 to 5 million tonnes by 1931, aiding industrialisation.
- Livestock: Increase in pig population by 70 million (1935-1940).
- MTS Issues: Poor planning led to delays in implementing machinery stations (MTS), not fully operational until 1931.
social impacts of collectivisation
-
Urbanisation:
- By 1939, 50% of Soviet citizens were working-class (compared to 18% in 1929).
- HOWEVER Poor urban living conditions due to lack of government investment.
-
Dekulakisation:
- 9.5-10 million exiled, many of whom were productive and enterprising, harming agricultural output.
- HOWEVER 1933 harvest 9 million tonnes lower than in 1926.
- In some areas, 10% of villages were exiled.
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POLITICAL IMPACTS FO FIRST 5 YR PLAN
- The First Five-Year Plan outperformed previous systems (Tsarist and Leninist).
- Stalin announced its early completion in December 1932, a key propaganda victory for him and the Communist Party.
- Russia’s economy grew rapidly, achieving 14% annual growth, despite the global Great Depression.
