Power Struggle Flashcards
(31 cards)
From left to right wing: name the leadership contenders
Trotsky, Zinoviev, Kamenev, Stalin, Rykov, Tomsky and Bukharin
What characteristics of Trotsky were unpopular?
He was arrogant, aloof and dismissive of others. This meant he was unable to build popularity and good working relationships with senior members of the party
What was unfortunate for Trotsky between 1923-1926 which reduced his chances of taking power?
He was ill, unable to deal with political attacks and was therefore incapable of attending some politburo meetings with key votes
Which policy aims of Trotsky did other party members fear?
They feared he would set up a military dictatorship and rely heavily on repression. Likewise, he dreamed of an international revolution which could lead to more internal distress and international conflict
Where was Zinoviev party secretary?
Leningrad
How did E.H.Carr describe Zinoviev?
“weak, vain, ambitious”
Where was Kamenev party secretary?
Moscow
Why was Kamenev an attractive candidate for being leader?
He was seen as able, reliable and intellectual (unlike Zinoviev). He was a longstanding member of the party and viewed as moderate.
What two names were given to Stalin? (show underestimating his capabilities)
“Comrade Card Index”
“Grey Blur”
What was Rykov’s position on the NEP and War communism? What features reduced his chances of becoming party leader?
- Proponent of the NEP and opponent of War Communism
- He was less powerful within the party and a notorious drinker - his loyalty to communism was questioned by some
What was Tomsky mainly involved in and passionate about?
Trade Unions and Workers
He was not an intellectual.
How did Lenin describe Bukharin? (his popularity)
As the “golden boy”
What was the name of Trotsky’s faction, who, in 1923, called for a huge increase in state subsidised and planned industrial development?
The Platform of 46
Where was Trotsky for Lenin’s funeral in January 1924?
He was convalescing at the Black Sea
Hence, he was unable to demonstrate his inheritance of Lenin’s power
What was Stalin’s role at Lenin’s funeral? How did this help his aim of becoming leader of the party?
He led the procession and gave the main speech. This framed himself as the successor of Lenin - since he was seen to take a leading role in his absence. During his speech, he repeated that “Comrade Lenin’s” command would be carried out and hence his succession seemed natural and a continuation of Lenin’s legacy (unlike with Trotsky)
What was set up to preserve Lenin’s memory after his death? What was required in every city? What was Petrograd renamed as? How did this influence who became the next leader?
The Immortalisation Committee was set up to preserve Lenin’s memory. A statue of Lenin was required in every city and Petrograd was renamed Leningrad. This showed that the person who was most likely to show himself to be Lenin’s heir would be more likely to get to power and emphasised the need for a single leader.
What was the recruitment drive following Lenin’s death called? Who oversaw this and how did he appeal to the new recruits(mainly workers)?
The Lenin Enrolment Overseen by Stalin who appealed to the new recruits through nationalism and patriotism. He also cited his own working-class background to relate to their interests and struggles
What did Lenin’s political testament do?
Carry a criticism on the members of the Politburo although Trotsky and Stalin were targeted in particular
Who agreed to supress the testament? What did they form in 1924?
Zinoviev, Kamenev and Stalin - the Triumvirate
What is the name given to the conflict between the Triumvirate and Trotsky in 1924?
The Literary War
Why were Trotsky’s criticisms defeated at the 13th PC (such as his opposition to the NEP and promotion of a permanent revolution)? What prevented him from continuing to oppose following policy decisions?
Since he lacked the supporters in the congress whereas Zinoviev and Kamenev had significant blocs and Stalin had been appointing loyal local party secretaries who in turn chose more supportive delegates to go to the congress.
The Ban on Factionalism prevented Trotsky from continuing with his ideas without fear of expulsion
How did Zinoviev and Kamenev challenge Trotsky? What was his response? Why did this left wing in-fighting strengthen Stalin’s position?
Zinoviev and Kamenev challenged Trotsky’s loyalty and policy aims, citing the fact that he was a former Menshevik. Trotsky responded with the ‘lessons of October’ which highlighted the pairs reticent and almost defeating role in the October revolution. Stalin grew in strength since he acted as the mediator, grew in legitimacy and was allowed to keep bringing in more of his own supporters to party positions as Zinoviev and Kamenev feared Trotsky too much.
What two pieces of writing did Stalin write in 1924 to attack Trotsky?
“On the Foundations of Leninism” and “Comrade Trotsky’s Theory of Permanent Revolution”
When was Trotsky removed as Commissar for Military Affairs?
January 1925
