Theme 1 - Brezhnev and the Cult of Personality Flashcards
1
Q
Compare Khrushchev vs Brezhnev personality
A
- Brezhnhev was charming and affable
- Whereas Khrushchev was embarrasing
2
Q
What was the inital role of Brezhnev
A
- Initally appointed was a weak and temportary First Secretary by a presidium who wanted a return to collective leadership
3
Q
Describe Brezhnev’s methodolgy and compare to Khrushchev
A
- Opposite of Khrushchev
- Waanted steady improvement “without fuss & hassle”
4
Q
Quote related to Brezhnev and form of rule
A
- Wanted “complete trust in Cadres”
5
Q
When was brezhnev secure in his position what does this suggest about the removal of Khrushchev
A
- Brezhnev was only really secure in position post 1971
- Suggests coup was a seized opportunity not planned far in advance
6
Q
What is Nomenklatura
A
- Descibes a class of politcal elites in the USSR
- Litterally means “List of Names”
7
Q
Who first coined the term
A
- Dissent Mikail Voslenski
- 1970
8
Q
Why was it a recipie for corruption
A
- People placed on the list (of candidates for jobs) due to relationship with Buerocrat in charge
- Lead to bribes & promises of politcal support
9
Q
What was the resulting mangement system thanks to the Nomenklatura
A
- Lead to a management system based on factions
10
Q
What did Nomenklatura lead to
A
- Widespread apathy: No opportuinty for promotion without right connections
- Ordinary people knew Nomenklatura had access to better goods.
11
Q
What is an example demonstrating that the problem was known about in the USSR
A
- Soviet Magazine Krokodil featured cartoons of average soviet citizen dealing with the system
12
Q
What was the prevalence and what did Nomenklatura do to undermine state responce
A
- Black market was widespead for everything
- Nomenklatura had undermined the ability of the party to critize
13
Q
What was the Soviet term for Bribery - give an example
A
- Blat
- Moruarty workers often required bribing in return for finding space
14
Q
Describe the anti - Brezhnev demonstrations in Estonia
A
- 4 / 5k students protested in central square
- “Where is Bread”
- “Down with Brezhnev”
15
Q
When were the Estonian protests
A
- Oct 8 1980
