emergence of communist dictatorship 1917-41

Question 1

ideology change under lenin

Answer 1

Pragmatism: General theme of acting to preserve power, even if didn’t match ideology
– had assumed revolution in Russia would spark European revolutions, especially in Germany
– Bolsheviks split:
Bukharin led revolutionary war group - continuing war to defend socialism
Lenin took pragmatic view, argued for acceptance of German terms to pacify citizens

One party state: before taking power had suggested government of Soviets “all power to the Soviet”. However, sidelined this and formed Bolshevik-only Sovnarkom, ruling by decree. Dissolution of constituent assembly reflected his view of need for “dictatorship of the proletariat “.

Control and preservation: convinced that control would require active repression of opposition. As well as this, ban on factions within party.
– Cheka created Dec 1917, came family associated with repression
– central planning and walk on communism used for control, justified as fulfilment of socialist principles.
– refused to admit errors, concept the party could not be wrong

Question 2

when was Treaty of Brest Litovsk signed?

Answer 2

3rd March 1918

Question 3

ideology under Stalin

Answer 3

Still favoured stability over ideological purity.
Some party members felt it was time to abandon strong central leadership principal, no longer necessary after winning Civil War.

Question 4

1918 Constitution

Answer 4

July 1918
– supreme power arrested with all Russian Congress of Soviets, representatives from elected local Soviets across Russia
– vote reserved for “toiling masses “, not former exploiting classes.
– workers vote waited five: one to peasants
- Sovnarkom officially appointed by the Congress, actually chosen by central committee

Question 5

civil War 1918–20

Answer 5

– Anger at concessions of treaty, existing political opposition. White scott foreign support for ideological reasons and need for ally in first world war
– Defend own interests, bolsheviks refused to pay back debts

conflict with Czech Legion
– czech nationalists in Russia, numbered 45,000 by 1918. originally allied with Bolsheviks, fighting on railway line led to changing allegiance

By 1920 Bolsheviks controlled most of Russian Empire.
at the cost of around 10 mill deaths
Due to hunger and epidemic disease as well as fighting

Question 6

impact of Civil War on the party

Answer 6

– Greater centralisation and party control, 1919 Politburo created and became executive body. General secretary post created.
– decreed the local Soviets only consist of party members
– 1921 ban on factions, all decisions had to be accepted by whole party
– Support for other nationalities abandoned, independence movements denounced as “counterrevolutionary “
- 1922 constitution created local soviets for republics created for semblance of autonomy, but kept under strict central control