Authoritarian States: USSR

October revolution

1917 overthrowing of the tsar, est of the soviet republic under Lenin

marxism

the working class will take control

democratic centralism

form of government that required all government officials to be a part of the bolshivek party and obedience + majority rule (ultimately controlled by the leader)

bureaucracy

where Lenin controlled all levels of the gov.

the Cheka

the USSR’s secret Police that opposed revolutionaries and imposed gov control

lenin enrollment

influx of people into the Bolshevik party; all loyal to communism

New economic policy (NEP)

centralized control, food surpluses would be sold for profit, no seizing

Leon Trotsky

leftist leader; wanted an end to the NEP, coercion of the peasantry, and international marxism; was removed and eventually assassinated

rightists

wanted a gradual revolution and NEP; had little power against Stalin

“second revolution”

stalins term for rapid modernization of soviet economy controlled by the gov

collectivization

end of private ownership and control over agricultural land

dekulakization

national policy to target landholding peasants

“war economy”

development of steel and oil industries against capitalism and agrarianism

5 year plans

industrialization goals promoted by propaganda

show trials

where political opponents and other gov dissidents were executed

Kirov assassination

gov guy was killed; led to mass imprisonment and killing and replacement of 1000s of party members

purge of military

removal of 3/5 marshals, 35000 officers in navy and air force; making the army smaller and unprepared

purge of people

failure to meet FYP = deportation or execution; minority regions targeted, 1/8 arrested

1953 doctors plot

jews accused of planning to kill stalin; led to anti semitic purge (never happened bc stalin died)

soviet realism

official art style of the state; only positive depictions of communism

soviet union of writers

all published works had to be a part of this and was controlled by the gov

cult of personality

how stalin and others use propaganda to promote them as an idealized heroic figure in all media

the konsomol

youth communist league that pledged to stalin and future CP membership

the great retreat

stalins reversal of lenins ideas for women; emphasizing family, less divirces, no abortion, no homosexuality, mothers w more children

double burden

women had to care for children and serve in work force