Communist Russia 1917-1964 STALIN’S RISE TO POWER
What were Lenin’s fears about Stalin in the Testament of 1922? Fearful of the power (General
Administrator) that Stalin held and that he wouldn’t use it to further the communist
movement – detection of a ‘dark side’.
Who were the contesters for the leaders of the party? Stalin, Trotsky (arrogant and ex-Menshevik),
Bukharin (too young with no experience).
Joseph Stalin
Experienced a comfortable upbringing but his father became abusive and left.
Send to a theological school in hopes to become a Priest.
Became socialist and always wanted socialism – constantly challenged the status quo but
there was something there that was different and off psychologically.
Vicious and vindictive when attempting to dominate the party – radical and militant.
Bribed with power, devoting himself to Lenin’s cause.
Stalin as a grey blur – wasn’t seen coming.
Zinoviev and Kamenev agree to the Testament being kept a secret – Trotsky should have
spoken out but doesn’t.
Z and k don’t see Stalin as a threat – ‘the grey blur’.
Stalin fills positions with his favourites ensuring loyalty in the vote.
They were expelled from the party for forming a faction.
Stalin the calls for the very thing Trotsky was campaigning for the call off of the NEP.
By December 1924 he was undisputed leader.
Strip farming v Kolkhoz
Strip farming was archaic and lead to famine whereas Kolkhoz were collective farms where everyone
receives the same, but this decreased motivation and incentive. Kolkhoz were resented by the
Kulaks as they lost property but was preferred by the poorer peasants.
The Great Turn
once Trotsky was removed, Stalin moved to the left and argued the only way to achieve
socialism in the country was through modernization.
Concerned with unfavourable comparison between Russia and the West thinking this would
bring them up to par.
Believed this could only be achieved through collectivism (the peasantry were forced to give
up their individual farms and join large collective farms).
Motives for Rapid industrialisation
Increase military strength.
Achieve self-sufficiency.
Increase grain supplies.
More towards a socialist society.
Establish his credentials.
Improve standards of living.
What were Lenin’s fears about Stalin in the Testament of 1922? Fearful of the power (General
Administrator) that Stalin held and that he wouldn’t use it to further the communist
movement – detection of a ‘dark side’.
Who were the contesters for the leaders of the party? Stalin, Trotsky (arrogant and ex-Menshevik),
Bukharin (too young with no experience).
Joseph Stalin
Experienced a comfortable upbringing but his father became abusive and left.
Send to a theological school in hopes to become a Priest.
Became socialist and always wanted socialism – constantly challenged the status quo but
there was something there that was different and off psychologically.
Vicious and vindictive when attempting to dominate the party – radical and militant.
Bribed with power, devoting himself to Lenin’s cause.
Stalin as a grey blur – wasn’t seen coming.
Zinoviev and Kamenev agree to the Testament being kept a secret – Trotsky should have
spoken out but doesn’t.
Z and k don’t see Stalin as a threat – ‘the grey blur’.
Stalin fills positions with his favourites ensuring loyalty in the vote.
They were expelled from the party for forming a faction.
Stalin the calls for the very thing Trotsky was campaigning for the call off of the NEP.
By December 1924 he was undisputed leader.
Strip farming v Kolkhoz
Strip farming was archaic and lead to famine whereas Kolkhoz were collective farms where everyone
receives the same, but this decreased motivation and incentive. Kolkhoz were resented by the
Kulaks as they lost property but was preferred by the poorer peasants.
The Great Turn
once Trotsky was removed, Stalin moved to the left and argued the only way to achieve
socialism in the country was through modernization.
Concerned with unfavourable comparison between Russia and the West thinking this would
bring them up to par.
Believed this could only be achieved through collectivism (the peasantry were forced to give
up their individual farms and join large collective farms).
Motives for Rapid industrialisation
Increase military strength.
Achieve self-sufficiency.
Increase grain supplies.
More towards a socialist society.
Establish his credentials.
Improve standards of living.
