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Stalin’s rise to power, 1924–1929
The Russian Revolution and the Rise of Stalin, 1917–1929: Stalin’s rise to power, 1924–1929
4
Objectives
10
Flashcards
10
Questions
88 min
Study time
AqaA LevelHistory2N Revolution and dictatorship: Russia, 1917–1953
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4 objective pages available
Stalin’s rise to power, 1924–19294 objectives
- The power vacuum and power struggle: ideology and the nature of leadership; Lenin's testament; divisions and contenders for power: character, strengths and weaknesses of Stalin, Trotsky, Bukharin, Kamenev, Rykov, Tomsky and Zinoviev.
- Ideological debates and issues in the leadership struggle: NEP and industrialisation; 'permanent revolution' versus 'Socialism in One Country'; how and why Stalin became party leader and the outcome for the other contenders.
- Economic developments: reasons for and impact of the 'Great Turn'; the economic shift; the launch of the first Five Year Plan and the decision to collectivise.
- Government, propaganda and the beginning of the Stalinist cult; Stalin's attitude to foreign powers: China; Germany and the Treaty of Berlin; changes in the Comintern.
Key terms
Lenin's TestamentGeneral SecretaryPermanent RevolutionBureaucratic CentralismKulaksIndustrializationPurgesCult of Personality
Exam tips
- Focus on key events and documents: When studying the power struggle, pay close attention to Lenin's testament and the roles of various leaders.
- Use Specific Evidence: Always support your arguments with specific examples from the period.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the roles of key figures: Clarify that Trotsky advocated for permanent revolution while Stalin focused on 'socialism in one country'.
- Confusing NEP with War Communism: Clarify that the NEP was a response to the failures of War Communism and allowed for some market freedoms.
Practice preview
- Which of the following leaders was a key contender for power after Lenin's death in 1924?
- What was Lenin's testament and how did it impact the power struggle after his death?
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of Stalin as a contender for power in the years following Lenin's death.
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