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Alevel History OCR Russia and its Rulers Notes on Stalin
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Alevel History OCR Russia and its Rulers Notes on Stalin Opponents Weaknesses Stalin's Personality Stalin's Political Moves Collectivisation
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Opponents Weaknesses Zinoviev and Kamenev thought that Stalin presented no real threat to them and anted
Stalin’s help in defeating Trotsky.
Trotsky remained silent, unwilling to become involved – did not press for Lenin’s testament
to be published, which would have basically named him as the most capable person to
succeed Lenin.
Trotsky could have appealed to supporters inside and outside the party, but he had
approved the ‘ban on factions’ in 1921 and was unwilling to cause splits in the party.
Zinoviev and Kamenev face off against Trotsky, effectively wiping each other as candidates,
leaving Stalin in the optimum position to establish himself as the most capable leader.
Zinoviev and Kamenev allowed Stalin to bring more of his supporters into key positions in
the party organisation, forming the majorities on committees and at conferences.
In 1925, Zinoviev and Kamenev failed to gain a vote of ‘no confidence’ against Stalin from
the party – they lost every vote.
In 1926, Zinoviev and Kamenev joined Trotsky to form a ‘United Opposition’ to make a direct
appeal to the masses and workers trying to organise mass demonstrations in Moscow. This
was a mistake because they could now be accused of factionalism. As a result, all three lost
their positions of power and in 1927 were expelled from the party.
Bukharin mounted a strong defence for the NEP but in 1929 was outvoted by Stalin’s
supporters. Bukharin, Rykov and Tomsky were removed from the Politburo and other party
bodies.
Stalin’s Personality
He played the part of a moderate peacemaker, anxious to maintain party unity.
Very ruthless and manipulative.
Stalin’s Political Moves
Tricked Trotsky into not turning up for Lenin’s funeral.
Performed the eulogy, indicated to the people that he was Lenin’s successor.
Filled the party with people sympathetic to his ideas and people who wanted to see him as
the leader, this prevented Trotsky from garnering votes.
In 1925 Stalin’s policy of ‘Socialism in One Country’ proved very popular with party
members, attracting the right wing of the party because it seemed to fit in with the NEP –
their own route to socialism. This led to a new alliance between Stalin and Bukharin on the
right, supporting NEP and cooperation with the peasants.
In 1928, Stalin turned against the NEP and attacked the right wing of the party. He now
advocated rapid industrialisation and the use of force to make the peasants cooperate.
His journey from Party Secretary (controlling agendas) to gaining control of party
membership.
What does it tell us about government and opposition during this time?
Opposition from within the party was weak and unorganised.
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