Stalin’s rise to power, 1924–1929 key terms

Lenin's Testament

A document written by Lenin expressing concerns about Stalin's power and suggesting his removal from the General Secretary position.

General Secretary

The title held by Stalin, which gave him control over party appointments and significant influence in the Communist Party.

Permanent Revolution

Trotsky's theory that socialism must be established globally and that revolutions should be continuous and international.

Bureaucratic Centralism

A principle of governance in the Soviet Union that emphasized a centralized party structure and decision-making.

Kulaks

Wealthy peasants in the Soviet Union who were targeted during collectivization.

Industrialization

The process of developing industries in a country or region, which was a key focus of Stalin's economic policies.

Purges

The systematic elimination of political rivals and dissenters within the Communist Party, particularly during the late 1920s and 1930s.

Cult of Personality

A political system in which a leader uses mass media, propaganda, and other means to create an idealized and heroic image of themselves.