Stalinism, politics and control, 1929–1941 (A-level only) revision notes

Overview of Stalinism

Stalinism refers to the political system and policies implemented by Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union from the late 1920s until his death in 1953. This period is characterized by totalitarianism, state control, and widespread repression.

Key Features of Stalin's Regime

• State Terror: The NKVD (People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs) was instrumental in enforcing Stalin's policies through surveillance, arrests, and executions.
• Purges: The Great Purge (1936-1938) targeted perceived enemies within the Communist Party, military, and society, leading to mass arrests and executions.
• Show Trials: High-profile trials were staged to eliminate opposition and instill fear, showcasing the regime's power.
• Cultural Control: Stalin sought to reshape Soviet society through propaganda, promoting the idea of the 'socialist man' and controlling cultural expressions.

The Yezhovshchina

This period of intensified repression, named after NKVD chief Nikolai Yezhov, saw mass arrests and executions, particularly affecting national minorities and political dissidents. The gulags became notorious for their brutal conditions.

International Relations

Stalin's foreign policy included complex relationships with Germany and Western powers, highlighted by the Nazi-Soviet Pact of 1939, which temporarily aligned Soviet and Nazi interests before the eventual conflict in World War II.