Stalin Terms

Lenin

A revolutionary thinker who led the effort to dismantle the old imperial system in Russia and replace it with a socialist state. His ideas shaped the early structure and ideology of the new government.

Leon Trotsky

A leading strategist of the revolutionary movement who organized the military forces that secured power in 1917. He later became a critic of growing authoritarianism and was forced into exile.

New Economic Policy

A temporary shift that reintroduced limited private trade and small-scale enterprise to stabilize the damaged postwar economy. It balanced ideological goals with practical needs for recovery.

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

A peace agreement that ended the involvement of the new Russian government in WW1. It required major territorial concessions in exchange for withdrawl.

Bolsheviks

A faction within the revolutionary movement that demanded a small, disciplined party ready to seize power. They ultimately led the overthrow of the provisional government.

Mensheviks

A rival socialist faction that favored gradual reform and broad membership. They believed the revolution should follow a more democratic and evolutionary path.

Left Opposition

A group that criticized the government for moving too slowly toward socialist economic transformation. They argued for faster industrial growth and more internal democracy.

Right Opposition

A faction that warned against rapid economic changes that could destabilize society. Its members supported more moderate policies and protection of small-scale producers.

Troika

A temporary alliance of three leading officials who collaborated to marginalize political rivals. This grouping held significant influence over policy and party direction.

Five Year Plan: First, Second, and Third

These were centralized programs aimed at rapidly expanding heavy industry and transforming the economy into a major industrial power. Each phase set ambitious production targets, often at great human cost. The third cycle shifted attention toward defense as international tensions rose.

Collectivization

A sweeping reorganization of agriculture that consolidated individual farms into state-controlled units. It aimed to increase output but often resulted in resistance and hardship.

“Dizzy with Success”

A phrase used by leadership to argue that problems in rural policy came from overzealous local officials rather than from central directives. It served as a way to deflect criticism while maintaining the overall strategy.

Kirov

A rising political figure whose assassination triggered intensified repression. His death provided the justification for broad purges across the country.

Grigory Zinoviev

A prominent early revolutionary who initially supported the leadership but later fell out of favor. He was eventually accused of plotting against the government.

Lev Kamenev

An influential political leader who aligned with several factions over time. He ultimately faced charges of disloyalty during heightened political repression.

Great Terror

A period marked by mass arrests, executions, and widespread fear. It targeted political elites, military leaders, and ordinary citizens under accusations of disloyalty.

Show Trials

Highly publicized court proceedings designed to display confessions and guilt, often obtained through coercion. They aimed to demonstrate unity and control by the state.

Nikolai Bukharin

An intellectual and policymaker who supported gradual economic development and cooperation with small producers. He later became a target of accusations and was removed from power.

Alexi Rykov

A senior official who served as head of government after the civil war. He was eventually accused of involvement in conspiracies and eliminated during repression.

Mikhail Tomsky

A labor leader known for defending workers’ interests and supporting moderate economic measures. He faced increasing pressure as radical policies took hold.

Nazi-Soviet Pact

A strategic agreement between two rival powers pledging non-aggression and secretly dividing parts of Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. It delayed conflict but shocked the world.

Pravda

The main printed outlet of the ruling party that broadcast official perspectives. It served as a tool for shaping public opinion and promoting state policies.

Politburo

The top decision-making body within the ruling party. It concentrated authority in the hands of a small group of leading figures.

“Revolution From Above”

A phrase used to describe sweeping economic and social changes imposed through state power rather than grassroots action. It reflected an effort to reshape society rapidly and with strict control.

Kulaks

A category of prosperous rural households labeled as obstacles to socialist agricultural reforms. They were often blamed for resistance to state policies.

Dekulakization

A campaign that targeted wealthier rural families with exile, confiscation, and arrest. Its goal was to eliminate perceived threats to agricultural restructuring.

Gulag

A vast forced labor system used to punish dissenters and supply manpower for major state projects. Conditions were harsh and mortality was high.

Famine 1932-1933

A devastating food crisis caused by agricultural disruption, harsh policies, and poor harvests. Millions died in affected regions.

Carrot and Stick Methods

A combination of incentives and punishments designed to shape behavior. This approach encouraged compliance while deterring resistance.

Shakty Trial

An early industrial case used to claim sabotage by engineers and specialists. It signaled a growing distrust of technical experts not aligned with the ruling ideology

Young Communist League

A youth organization created to train future party members and spread socialist ideals. It offered education, discipline, and political involvement for young people.

NKVD

The internal security agency responsible for surveillance, policing, and political repression. It played a central role in arrests, interrogations, and executions.

Secret Policy

Covert directives issued by the state to carry out surveillance, repression, or administrative decisions out of public view. These instructions shaped many government actions behind the scenes.

People’s Commissariat for Enlightenment

The state body responsible for culture, education, and arts during the early years of the new government. It aimed to promote literacy and reshape cultural life.

Russo-Japanese Non-Aggression Pact

An agreement securing peace between the two Asian powers during a tense international climate. It allowed both sides to focus military resources elsewhere.