Notes on Stalin's rise and purges

Expansion of Industrial Areas

Significant industrial development occurred in inner Asia and the Urals, connected by the Turksib Railway.

Kuznetsk Basin

Discovered to have high-grade coal, complementary to Ural iron ores, despite being 1,000 miles apart.

Transportation Revolution

By 1938, railroads carried five times as much freight as in 1913, facilitating industrial growth.

Impact of Modernization

Industrialization increased the economic strength of the U.S.S.R. and improved connections with Asian neighbors.

Industrial and Military Growth

Increased industrial output modernized the Red Army, crucial for WWII resistance.

Production Comparison (1937)

U.S.S.R. had lower per capita production of essential goods compared to Western nations.

Social Costs and Effects

Industrialization demanded sacrifices, leading to millions killed or sent to labor camps.

Life Eases in the Late 1930s

Food rationing ended in 1935, and living standards improved, though war preparations hindered progress.

Socialism vs

Unemployment was eliminated, but income inequality persisted among government officials and workers.

Competition in a Socialist System

The Stakhanovite movement celebrated workers who increased productivity, promoting "socialist competition."

Culture of Competition

Economic achievements were prioritized in media, fostering a sense of national pride among workers.

Totalitarianism and Solidarity

The government enforced strict control, limiting freedoms and promoting national unity.

Cultural and Intellectual Conformity

Art and literature served as propaganda, suppressing creative expression and promoting conformity.

Economic Focus

Heavy industry was prioritized over food supplies, with significant increases in pig iron production.

Human Cost of Stalin's Regime

Millions were affected by purges, including bourgeoisie, peasants, and party members.

The Purge Trials of the 1930s

A new constitution was introduced amid purges, promising civil liberties but enforcing repression.

Constitution of 1936

Promised rights like steady employment and condemned racism, but was overshadowed by Stalin's dictatorship.

Internal Party Conflicts

Diverging opinions existed within the Communist Party, but dissent against Stalin was not tolerated.

The Great Purges (1936-1938)

Public trials targeted Old Bolsheviks, leading to executions and widespread fear.

Psycho-Terror Tactics

Psychological torture was used to extract confessions during trials, raising global concerns.

Widespread Purges

From 1930 to 1953, over 3.7 million were tried for counterrevolutionary activities, with many executed.

Soviet Propaganda

Stalin was portrayed as a benevolent leader, reinforcing his image through art and slogans.

Scale of Purges

Between 1930 and 1953, 786,098 were executed, with many more dying in labor camps.

Reinforcement of Stalin’s Dictatorship

Purges eliminated rivals and dissenters, solidifying Stalin's control over the party.

Aftermath of the Purges

By 1938, few Old Bolsheviks remained, leading to a new generation of leaders accepting Stalin's regime.