Stalins Rise To Power Flashcards
(17 cards)
What was the United Opposition and who formed it?
Formed in 1926 by Trotsky, Kamenev, and Zinoviev to oppose Stalin’s policies.
What happened to the United Opposition leaders?
Expelled from the Party by 1927; Trotsky was exiled from the USSR in 1929.
What did the Right Opposition advocate for?
Slower industrialisation, better treatment of the peasantry, and continuation of the NEP.
What was Stalin’s tactic with the Right Opposition?
One by one, their members were demoted and replaced with Stalin loyalists.
What were the goals of the Five-Year Plans introduced in 1928?
Rapid industrialisation, autarky, and making the USSR less dependent on Western goods.
Why did Stalin move away from the NEP?
The NEP failed to industrialise the economy; kulaks were blamed for holding back socialism.
What was the method of collectivisation in 1928?
Forced abolition of private property and centralised planning by Gosplan.
How did propaganda help Stalin?
Promoted collectivisation, glorified Stalin as Lenin’s disciple, and vilified dissenters.
What was a key element of Stalin’s cult of personality?
Emphasis on him as the heroic leader and “Lenin’s true successor.”
What role did Stalin have that gave him control over Party members?
General Secretary — allowed him to appoint and promote officials.
What was the Lenin Enrolment and how did Stalin use it?
From 1924, Party membership doubled to 1 million, many of whom were easily manipulated by Stalin.
What were Trotsky’s strengths?
Brilliant speaker, theorist, leader of the Red Army, and hero of the Civil War.
What were Trotsky’s weaknesses?
Arrogance, poor political skills, no powerbase, underestimated Stalin.
What were Bukharin’s strengths?
Popular, expert in economics/agriculture, close to Lenin, supported NEP.
What were Bukharin’s weaknesses?
Avoided confrontation, underestimated Stalin, poor timing in alliances.
What were Stalin’s key strengths?
Held key Party roles, manipulative, concealed intentions, close to Lenin during illness.
What weaknesses did Stalin have?
Perceived as dull, brutal in handling opposition (e.g., Georgia affair), disliked by some colleagues.
