STALIN’S PERSONAL RULE & POWER STRUCTURE

What was the main role of the Party after the war?

The Soviet Union was a one-party state, but the Party was not significant in initiating policies and actions. Just as before the war, its main role was co-ordinating economic activity.

How did Stalin foster tensions between Party and government?

Stalin fostered tensions between Party and government to stop either undermining his personal power.

How often did the Politburo meet and when was a Party Congress convened?

The Politburo rarely met and a Party Congress was not convened until 1952.

What did Khrushchev recall about how Stalin ruled?

Stalin preferred to rule more informally, sending out his orders by telegram or convening small groups to discuss key policy issues. Stalin told them no more than they needed to know and only when they needed to know it; Martin McCauley reminds us of Khrushchev's recollection, 'If you were not told you presumed you were not supposed to know. Under no circumstances did you ask.'

What technique did Stalin use to control the Politburo?

He used the same pre-war technique of playing people off against each other and encouraging rivalry between contenders for the leadership and Party influence.

What did Stalin do at the 19th Party Congress in 1952?

In 1952, at the 19th Party Congress, Stalin took little direct part and contented himself with sitting and watching the proceedings.

Who did Stalin attack in his last speech after the 19th Party Congress?

At a meeting of the Central Committee after the conference he made his last speech, in which he attacked Molotov and Mikoyan.

What was Stalin contemplating after the 19th Party Congress?

Presidium of 25 formed; Stalin considering another purge at the top level