Chapter 2: Stalin’s Soviet Union
(a)
Explain why Trotsky failed to come to power in the
Soviet Union in the 1920s.
[8]
Trotsky was very vocal in his criticisms of Lenin and the Bolshevik Party, causing
Trotsky to be feared and resented by other Party members. Trotsky was not able to
convince fellow Party members of his belief in ‘permanent revolution’, which made
him appear too radical to the moderates in the Party. However, he failed to convince
his fellow Party members of this idea. Stalin, on the other hand, argued for
‘socialism in one country’. Stalin ensured that he had the support of other Party
members. This led to other members questioning Trotsky’s credibility. (5m) They felt
that Trotsky and his idea of ‘permanent revolution’ was moving away from the Party’s
decisions and ideas. As a result of this, Trotsky failed to come to power as other
party members did not agree with his belief and did not want to support him. (6m)
Trotsky’s unwillingness to get involved in party politics, his illness and silence on
Lenin’s Testament greatly undermined his power and position in the Party. Stalin
took advantage of Trotsky’s silence regarding Lenin’s Testament to build up his
support base and isolate Trotsky. Deep ideological divisions between the radicals
and moderates in the Party ensured that there was no single dominant figure to unite
and lead the Party as Lenin did. Stalin could exploit the ideological divisions to build
up his power and support base at the expense of Trotsky. As a result, Trotsky failed
to come to power with a small support base. (7m) By not speaking up, it seemed as
if Stalin was the next successor to Lenin and caused Trotsky to lose his position as
the next successor. (8m)
Trotsky was tricked by Stalin on the actual date of Lenin’s funeral and as a result,
Trotsky, did not attend Lenin’s funeral. Stalin took advantage of the situation and
became the chief mourner and portrayed himself as Lenin’s successor. This also
made Trotsky lose favour with the senior members as his absence was seen as a
sign of disrespect. Hence, through his shrewdness in manoeuvring events to his
advantage, Stalin was able to rise to power and not Trotsky. Trotsky failed to come
to power as a result of him losing favour with the senior members of the Communist
Party and Stalin’s manipulations caused people to think that he was the person in
charge and led to a loss of support base for Trotsky.
(b)
‘Stalin’s rule did more harm than good’. How far do
you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.
[12]
Yes, Stalin’s policies brought more harm as he created a climate of fear where the
secret police had informers everywhere, and the slightest indication of anti-Stalin
sentiments could warrant an arrest. People also knew that they were being
constantly judged by Stalin’s officials. If they were judged poorly, it would be more
difficult for them to apply for housing, jobs and holidays. If they stood out for the
wrong reasons or upset officials, they could fall victim to the secret police, and be
sent to forced labour camps or even killed. This was especially so during the Great
Terror. Fear became an aspect of everyday life in the Soviet Union and it had
brought more harm than good to the Soviet people.
No, Stalin’s policies brought more good to the people as the free and compulsory
education caused literacy rate to improve significantly during Stalin’s rule. Technical
subjects were emphasised to meet the demands of Stalin’s industrialisation
programme. Before the 1917 Revolution, only 40 per cent of males between ages of
nine and forty were able to read. By 1939, literacy rates for males rose to ninety-four
per cent. As for women, literacy rate rose from thirteen per cent to sixty-five per cent.
The standard of living for the people of the Soviet Union was poor. The mass
movement of peasants to the cities created chaos as the cities could not cope with
the influx of people. Slums sprung up in the cities. Besides putting up with the
unhygienic and overcrowded slums, workers who worked in factories had to endure
terrible working conditions and extremely long hours. Poor living conditions and low
wages resulted in poor standard of living for the people of the Soviet Union. (8m)
The state was in control of all aspects of society such as housing, education and
health, were strictly controlled and provided by the government. Private trading was
banned and only the government could produce and distribute goods. There was a
lack of choices and shortages of essential goods (e.g. textiles and sugar) as the
state could not produce enough for all. Long queues were also common because the
demand for goods was greater than what the state-controlled industry or distribution
channels could supply.
The state also controlled the use of agricultural produce form the collective farms.
The ambitious agricultural targets of the Five-Year Plans meant that grain and
produce were collected at the expense of the farmers. As these farms were owned
by the state, the farmers could not keep produce for themselves. Even though many
attempted to hide their produce, they were forcibly taken by the Party officials.
During the Great Famine in 1932, the state did not distribute its stockpiled grain, but
sold the grain overseas to raise funds for more industrial machinery and
development. The famine carried on until 1934, and close to seven million peasants
died of starvation due to the extreme shortage of food. (10m)
However, Stalin’s industrialisation drive resulted in many women entering the
workforce and become productive members of the economy. Women were given
equal rights as men. Women were no longer dependent on men for their economic
and social needs. Besides that, industrialisation allowed the country to be more
specialised. Production rates increased and the government could sell the products
to other countries to use it for military purposes.
Life of the people in the Soviet Union under Stalin’s policies improved in some
aspects such as increase literacy rate and women’s entry into the work force and
became productive members of the economy. Besides that, Stalin managed to turn
Russia from a backward country to a highly industrialised country. However, Stalin’s
policies also saw many innocent people being arrested and punished for crimes they
were not guilty of, put on show trials, executed or sent away to labour camps or into
exile. Additionally, the standard of living was low with poor living conditions and low
wages. Consumer goods were often short in supply and the government refused to
release the stockpiled grain to feed her people in the Great Famine of 1932, resulting
in deaths of millions. The government chose to sell the grains for industrial
development instead of caring for the welfare of her people. (11m) Hence, Stalin’s
policies brought about more harm than good to the people of Soviet Union in the
long term as there was great cost to standards of living and the people lived in a
climate of fear and tension during Stalin’s rule. (12m)
(a)
Explain how Stalin’s rule benefitted Russia.
[8]
Stalin sought to transform Russia through a series of industrial and agricultural
reforms. He wanted to achieve autarky through a command economy and had put in
place Five Year Plans to bring about improvement in agriculture and industrial
development.
Stalin’s rule benefitted Russia economically
Rapid industrialisation
By the end of the 1930s, Russia had become a great industrial nation. By 1940, it
had overtaken Britain in iron and steel production.The USSR would have better able
to defend itself in the event a long war. Factories produced iron: used for tanks and
planes.Transport and communication networks were improved greatly. Huge towns
and industrial centres like Magnitogorsk metalworks were built from scratch deep
inside the USSR. Vast construction projects were completed. E.g. Dnieper Dam
Hydroelectric power station and the Belomor canal. Investments in education and
training schemes created a skilled workforce. Modern machineries like tractors were
introduced to the collective farms and this helped to increase production and at the
same time freed up peasants to work in factories. This enabled the greater
production of goods and created a demand for more modern machineries.
 Hence, for the worker in Russia, Stalin’s reforms such as the 5-Year Plans
were a success and there was full employment for the people.
 Stalin’s reforms transformed Russia into a great industrial nation.
 Lastly, because of Stalin’s policies, Communist Russia became an example
for communist governments in other countries after WWII when Russia
became a superpower.
Stalin’s rule benefited Russia socially
Stalin did improve the lives of the Russians through his policies. The state took on
the responsibility of providing healthcare, education, homes, food. Fuel and clothing
for the peasants working the collectives. New colleges and universities were built
and thousands of teachers, scientists and engineers were trained. Because of Stalin,
many Russian workers were able to obtain well-paid, high-skilled jobs. Moreover,
Stalin also subsidized education, health care and provided extensive leisure facilities
for the people. The use of machinery also made farming easier and more efficient.
The increase in production of agricultural produce also meant that the people had
sufficient food unlike in the past when many suffered due to starvation. Those who
conformed and worked hard found their lives better than before.
Therefore, it can be seen that Stalin’s economic plans benefited the people in more
ways than one. He was able to meet the needs of the people and improve their
standard of living.
(b)
Stalin use propaganda to consolidate power in the
Soviet Union? Explain your answer.
[12]
Yes he used propaganda
One method in which Stalin kept himself in power/ consolidated in Russia was
through the use of propaganda. Stalin was aware that while fear was a good method
to suppress opposition and resistance to his rule, he needed the real support of the
Russian people to secure his power base. Stalin was a master of propaganda. He
was able to use propaganda effectively to control the thoughts of the people. This
was achieved through his social and cultural policies. On the first level, he controlled
education through indoctrination. In schools, only appropriate communist ideas were
taught. Any teacher who disobeyed government orders would be sent to labour
camps. History was re-written to glorify the works of Lenin and Stalin as the great
leaders of Russia while the contributions of all other leaders like Trotsky were
ignored or erased. On a second level, he manipulated the arts for propaganda
purposes as well. Writers were pressured to write novels about the glorious
achievements of Stalin’s government while artists could only draw art that glorified
Stalin, Communism or the Russian worker/peasant. Paintings of Stalin as the saviour
and leader of Russia were created and widely displayed or distributed throughout
Russia to lead the people into believing that Stalin was indeed a capable and
magnanimous leader. The spread of propaganda inculcated the perception and
belief in the Russian people especially the younger generations that Stalin was
indeed a great leader who had sacrifice much for Russia This resulted in widespread
support and even love for the great leader Stalin, which strengthened his support
base. Stalin enjoyed much popularity in Russia between 1928 and 1939 because of
the success of his propaganda tactics. This in turn enabled him to remain in power
during his reign as people believed in him too much to think of opposing him or
changing leaders in Russia.
No, Stalin used fear and terror
Another method in which Stalin employed to maintain his power in Russia from 1928
to 1939 was through the use of purges in Russia. During the 1930s, Russians
generally lived in a climate of great fear. In 1934 Stalin passed a law, which ordered
anyone suspected of terrorism and plots against the government to be arrested and
executed once they were convicted. This law was used by Stalin to carry out a series
of purges aimed at removing anyone who was perceived as his rivals or seen as a
threat to him or those who criticized his policies. With the support of the Cheka (the
Russian Secret Police) Stalin arrested millions of Russians between 1934 and 1938.
Many of these were either shot or sent to labour camps in Siberia. For a selected
few, who were prominent leaders of the Central Communist Party such as Kamenev
and Zinoviev, show trials were held. At these trials, the prisoners were made to
confess in open court their attempts to kill Stalin or undermine Russia’s progress and
development. Upon confession, they were found guilty and executed on the spot.
These were usually members of the Communist Party who dared to question his
policies. This made the Russian people very fearful of their own lives as they were
uncertain if they were going to be the next person who would be called up by the
Cheka for questioning. Many turned to informing on their family, friends and fellow
workers in desperate attempts to protect their own lives. It is estimated that by end
1938 more than 20 million Russians fell victim to Stalin’s purges. This resulted in
Stalin gaining even more power and authority in Russia as no one even dared to
oppose or challenge him as this was almost certainly going to result in severe
punishment or death. All members of the Central Communist Party, the Russian
government and even Russian society pledged their absolute loyalty and support to
him.Thus, this allowed Stalin the ability to remain in power from 1928 to 1939.
In the long run, it was Stalin’s establishment of the Terror State that was more
effective and enabled him to consolidate his power. The fear he instilled in the
hearts and the minds of the people ensured that there was no form of position.
Propaganda was the platform used to gain the continued support of the Russians,
and filling their minds with adoration and reducing any form of dissatisfaction to
Stalin’s rule.
(a)
Explain how Stalin’s political abilities contributed to his
rise to power by 1929.
[8]
Stalin’s use of his position as General Secretary contributed to his rise to power by
1929. In 1922, Stalin was appointed as the General Secretary of the Communist
Party. While it was not a particularly significant administrative post, Stalin was able to
assert his power over who was admitted or expelled from the Party, and who held
influential posts in the Party. He used his position to its fullest, placing his allies and
supporters in important positions in the Party. This meant that he could advance his
own position, and prevent opponents from extending their influence. Stalin also used
his position skillfully to gain control of the Cheka, or the Secret Police. Control of the
Cheka was vital to Stalin’s rise to power, as he used them to intimidate his
opponents, and consolidate his position in the Communist Party. As such, Stalin’s
political skill of maximising his position as General Secretary contributed to his rise to
power.
Stalin’s cunning manipulation of Trotsky’s unpopularity contributed to Stalin’s rise to
power. Though acknowledged as an intelligent and capable man who was Lenin’s
close assistant, Trotsky was perceived as arrogant and over-powerful. Stalin
capitalised on Trotsky’s existing unpopularity by passing on false information about
Lenin’s funeral to Trotsky. Stalin ensured Trotsky’s absence at the funeral by
deliberately giving him the wrong date. The effect of Stalin’s manipulation was
twofold: firstly, it made Trotsky look bad for not honoring the leader of the
Communist Party, and secondly, it made Stalin look like the natural successor to
Lenin at the funeral. Stalin’s political skill of manipulating others thus contributed to
his rise to power.
This may be considered a political factor: Stalin’s ideology
Stalin policy of ‘Socialism in one country’ won greater support than Trotsky’s ‘World
wide revolution’. After the Civil War ended in 1921, the people of the Soviet Union
had had enough of the great misery and human tragedy that war would bring.
Therefore, Trotsky’s push for ‘World wide revolution’ was unpopular with people who
wanted peace and stability so that they could rebuild their lives; not more wars and
suffering when the Soviet Union exported communism to other countries. Stalin’s
‘Socialism in one country’ won the support of the people because it emphasized on
building socialism in the USSR first, making socialism strong first before venturing
beyond the Soviet borders to export communism to the world. Stalin’s policy was
naturally accepted and supported. Trotsky’s view was rejected despite the fact that it
was closer in interpretation of Marxist theory on communism. This factor explains the
rise of Stalin when we linked it to the point on how Trotsky was outwitted and
removed from power. The policy of ‘Socialism in one country’ could only be
appreciated more when we see how it was formulated by a single-minded and
cunning man who knew what his people wanted and who knew that this was yet
another opportunity to garner support and to discredit and weaken his opponent.
(b)
Stalin’s rule up to 1939 brought more harm than good
for the Soviet Union.’ How far do you agree with this
statement? Explain your answer.
[12]
YES: Stalin’s rule brought more harm
Stalin’s rule brought harm to the Soviet Union. One area in which this was seen were
the purges and trials that Stalin launched to eliminate his opposition. The hardship
and brutalities brought by Collectivisation and industrialisation made the government
unpopular. Within the Politburo, there were signs of opposition to Stalin’s leadership.
In order to consolidate his power and enforce party discipline, Stalin launched a
series of campaigns of political oppression and purges, using the murder of Sergei
Kirov in 1930 as an excuse. This period was known as the Great Terror. Stalin put
his political enemies on public show trials where they often confessed to crimes they
did not commit before having them executed. As Stalin was suspicious of Red Army
which was Trotsky’s power base, he accused high-ranking commanders and tens of
thousands of Red Army officers tortured and shot. The commander in charge of the
secret police was also arrested and executed in 1940. In their place, Stalin promoted
inexperienced members who owed their positions to him. Stalin’s purges not only
brought fear to the Soviet Union, it also meant that it weakened the Soviet Union’s
central government in terms of intellectual and military capability as many of the
experienced officials had been ‘purged’.
Stalin’s reign of terror also affected others in the Soviet Union and brought harm to
the state. The secret police arrested, questioned and forced people to inform against
friends and family. Peasants, factory workers and intellectuals were arrested to
prevent them from organising opposition to Stalin’s rule. They were killed on the spot
or sent to labour camps with poor living conditions and ill treatment. As a result,
nobody dared to oppose or challenge him in such an atmosphere of fear. Mass
executions of intellectuals and skilled workers negatively affected the strength of the
country as it led to the shrinking of Stalin’s workforce. The loss of administrators,
engineers and teachers affected the quality of Soviet civil service and the efficiency
of the government was affected. Therefore, Stalin’s rule brought more harm than
good.
e.g. of other ways Stalin’s rule brought harm
- Liquidation of Kulak class during collectivisation
- propaganda and censorship –leading to lack of openness and freedom of
thought/speech.
- loss of autonomy of minority nationalities
NO: Stalin’s rule brought more good
Eg. Stalin’s rule improved the economy of the Soviet Union so it brought more good.
Between 1928 and 1939, in a bid to catch up with the West, become an industrial
power and achieve autarky (self-sufficiency), Stalin introduced three Five Year Plans
between 1928 The First Five Year Plan (1928-1932) concentrated on building up the
country's heavy industries, such as iron and steel. The Second Five Year Plan
between 1933 and 1937 continued the first plan, but with a greater emphasis on
constructing sound communication systems such as by building more roads,
railways and canals. In this way, Stalin modernized the USSR through the Five Year
Plans, which rapidly turned the USSR from a backward country to one that was
modernized, to the extent that the economy of the USSR even surpassed that of
America and Britain during the period of the Great Depression. His rule raised the
status of the Soviet Union in the eyes of the world.
Eg. Another way that Stalin’s rule brought benefits to the Soviet Union was through
the modernisation of agriculture. Under his policy of Collectivisation, small individual
farms were merged into larger collective farms known as Kolkhozy as it was believed
that larger units of land could be farmed more efficiently through mechanization,
such as the use of tractors. Lands were owned by the state and the crops were
distributed by the state, and the state fixed the quantities of crops that peasants were
to produce. Although the resistance of the rich peasants (kulaks) resulted in the
Great Famine of 1932, collectivization helped to modernize the USSR as it produced
enough grains to feed the industrial towns and even export them to buy industrial
equipment, and thus fuelling industrialization.