Power Struggle Flashcards
(45 cards)
What were the three issues which divided the party?
- Bureaucracy vs rule of the proletariat
- Permanent revolution vs Socialism in One Country
- the role of the peasants and rapid industrialisation
What did those who wanted bureaucracy want?
A centralisation of power
What did those who wanted the rule of the proletariat want?
An end to the extension of the bureaucratic government and a return to the ideals of the revolution with a broad based government guided by the will of the people
Did Trotsky want bureaucracy or rule of the proletariat?
The rule of the proletariat
Did stalin wan bureaucracy or the rule of the proletariat?
Bureaucracy
Why did Stalin want a bureaucratic government?
Because as general secretary he would gain more influence
What is the theory of permanent revolution?
The idea that a socialist country could not be built in Russia unless the revolution spread to other parts of the world
What is “socialism in one country”?
The idea that Russia, with its vast resources could build a socialist country alone. There was no need for a world revolution
Did Trotsky believe in permanent revolution or socialism in one country?
Permanent revolution
Did Stalin want permanent revolution or socialism in one country?
Socialism in one country
Who won the debate between permanent revolution and why?
Stalin
The masses and the party, after enjoying stability since 1922 desired normality
What did Stalin believe the role of the peasants was?
To produce sufficient food for the industrial workers
Why did Stalin think Russia needed to industrialise rapidly?
They were surrounded by capitalist enemies and needed to catch up with them
Who was in the triumvirate against Trotsky?
Kamenev, Zinoviev and Stalin
What were Trotsky major mistakes in the first stages of the power struggle? (4)
- he under estimates Stalin
- doesn’t go to Lenins funeral
- doesn’t go to twelfth party congress to defend himself
- resigns as commissar for military and naval stuff
What was formed in July 1926?
The united opposition
When did the united opposition form?
July 1926
Who was in the united opposition?
Kamenev, Zinoviev and Trotsky
What was the united opposition?
An anti Stalinist bloc which aimed at opposing the policies of the right
Which significant person backed the united opposition?
Krupskaya (Lenins widow)
What was the outcome of the united opposition for Trotsky?
- expelled from the party
* exiled
What is the outcome of the united opposition for Kamenev?
He loses his seat on the central committee
What are the outcomes of the united opposition for Zinoviev?
- lost position as head on Comintern
- expelled from party
- removed from politburo
When are Trotsky and Zinoviev expelled from the party?
December 1927
