Stalin's Political Policy and Impact
Political Policy 1: The use of purges and show trial
Stalin used purges and show trial to consolidate his power and to get rid of any opposition
By 1941 Stalin was the only member of Lenin’s original politburo left.
In 1934, Stalin turned against members of the Communist Party. In 1937, he launched the Great Purge, a campaign of terror directed at eliminating anyone who threatened his power.
How did he do it?
Historians don’t agree about the level of Stalin’s involvement. Either:
a) Stalin knew about the assassination plot and let it happen so he could use the opportunity
b) Stalin actually arranged the assassination because he believed Kirov was being groomed to replace him
Whatever Stalin’s involvement in the actual assassination, he certainly used it to his advantage.
By 1941 Stalin was the only member of Lenin’s original politburo left.
In 1934, Stalin turned against members of the Communist Party. In 1937, he launched the Great Purge, a campaign of terror directed at eliminating anyone who threatened his power.
- He got rid of all his political opponents (Kamenev, Zinoviev, Bukharin and Trotsky)
- He got rid of the experienced Red Army officers, who were loyal to Trotsky and replaced them with younger and inexperienced ones, who would be loyal to him
- He got rid of anyone who was against him (Secret police would arrest, question and forced people to inform against their friends and family, who voiced against Stalin) He would either execute or forced them to go to labour camps.
How did he do it?
- December 1934. Kirov, a member of the Politburo, was murdered.
- Sergei Kirov was approached by Bolsheviks as a potential candidate for Stalin's position as a Secretary-General.
- He was assassinated before actions taken and police concluded that it was a part of the plot to murder Stalin.
Historians don’t agree about the level of Stalin’s involvement. Either:
a) Stalin knew about the assassination plot and let it happen so he could use the opportunity
b) Stalin actually arranged the assassination because he believed Kirov was being groomed to replace him
Whatever Stalin’s involvement in the actual assassination, he certainly used it to his advantage.
- He accused Kamenev and Zinoviev of involvement and imprisoned them.
- In 1936 he accused Kamenev, Zinoviev and Bukharin and 14 others of plotting with Trotsky to overthrow the government
- Their trial for treason was the first show trial and marked the start of the GREAT TERROR (1936-38). After the show trials, many were executed.
The impact of the show trial and purges:
- The Red Army lost many of its experienced officers and it affected their military ability against the German forces during WWII.
- Science and technology suffered as many intellectuals, scientists and engineers were executed. It lost many important workers during the 5 year plan. Factories produced poor quality goods and faulty infrastructure like dams and bridges.
- Industry suffered because many skilled workers were executed.
- The quality of civil sector as it was less effective with many administrators, teachers were executed.
- By eliminating older figures, Stalin was able to promote younger men who owed their success to him. This made them completely loyal.
Political Policy 2: The use of propaganda
Stalin used purges and show trial to consolidate his power by showing that he was the rightful successor
Propaganda and terror worked hand in hand.
The key components of Stalin’s propaganda campaign were:
1) The Cult of Personality
Images of Stalin were everywhere. They were designed to make Stalin look powerful and benevolent (good to his people). All achievements and successes were credited to Stalin. He wanted to build up his profile as the rightful successor to Lenin.
- Stalin created the impression that he was a genius at everything. He was described as the ‘wisest man of the twentieth century’, the ‘genius of the age’.
- The Soviet people were told that he was never wrong. This protected Stalin from any further challenges.
- He expected love and worship, not respect and obedience. Stalin made sure that everyone knew about his successes. Huge rallies were held in his honour.
- He used many forms of propaganda to pass on the news, but his favourite form was paintings and sculptures. These appeared all over Russia.
- Stalin was shown meeting smiling people, opening factories and dams, and he always looked rather taller and fitter than he actually was.
The impact of the propganda:
- There was a sense of loyalty pledged to Stalin amongst the youth