History Russia Unit 1 Leadership Struggle

New Economic Policy

Policy made by Lenin in order to moderately approach communism after 3 years of civil war and revolution. Temporary solution

Lenin’s death

January 1924

Lenin’s Testament

Trotsky = brilliant but too arrogant

Stalin = Worse, would become too powerful if leader

Bukharin = Not suitable since he fundamentally misunderstood Communist Ideology (Marxism)

Zinoviev and Kamenev = Not suitable since they failed to support October Revolution or 1917

Stalin’s background

Rebelled against Tsarism to become Communist Revolutionary. Joined Bolsheviks in 1903. Worked hard on committees until Revolution. Refused to listen to Trotsky’s commands so sent to Moscow and developer harris against him. General Secretary for Party. Commissar role gifted by Lenin after revolution ( dealt with non-russians in Russia). Kept low profile. Contributed towards ‘Socialism in one country’ debates.

Trotsky Background

Born in Ukraine to wealthy jews. Arrested 1898 for revolutionary activities and sent for 4 years’ exile in Siberia. Only collaborated with Lenin in 1917 for revolution and then became his right hand man. 1918 gained role ‘Comissar for War’ and led Red Army. Arrogance led to dislike. Believed Worldwide revolution was best through rapid industrialisation.

Kamenev Summary

Working class, Joined party since it was established in 1903, became friends with Lenin since both exhiled together. Believed in Rapid Industrialisation and Ending of NEP.

Kamenev Cons

Opposed Lenin’s October Revolution. Played small role in civil war. Preferred compromise to confrontation.

Bukharin Summary

Went through imprisonment and exhile, Helped Bolsheviks seize Moscow during October Rev. Editor of Pravda which was an important Political newspaper. NEP supporter, Opposed Rapid Ind

Bukharin Cons

too inexperienced for ruling SU. Misunderstood Marxism. Strong NEP supporter so unpopular

Zinoviev Summary

Joined Bolsheviks 1903. Fled Russia out of fear, joining Lenin in exile. Close friend of Lenin. Head of Comintern. Pro Rapid ind anti NEP

Zinoviev Cons

Opposed seizing power in Revolution. Gained reputation fo staying in hotels (not fighting). Not popular in party

Stalin’s Advantages

Poor background so relatable. Loyal, robbed banks for Bolsheviks. Liked by Lenin. Gen pop tired of war so preferred his ‘Socialism in one country’. Member of Politburo so leading politician. Powerful party member, had access to 1000s of files. General Sec so could put people where he wanted them. ‘Lenin endorsement scheme’ created by him so required his support. Resilience from childhood

Stalin’s cons

Lenin’s testament revealed his call for removal, Dull personality, Didn’t take leading role in October Revolution

Trostsky’s Advantages

Long history of being a revolutionary. Lenin’s right hand man since 1917. War hero - Planned October revolution and made Red Army. Popular amongst younger, more radical members of party. 2nd most intelligent, after Lenin. Inspirational public speaker.

Trotsky’s weaknesses

Only bolshevik since 1917. Arrogant. Didn’t see Stalin as threat. Finds Political tactics Trivial. Red Army leader so could seem like using it to advantage.

Left wing Radical Communism What and Who

Opposed NEP, Pro Rapid Industrialisation, Worldwide Communism. Trotsky, Zinoviev and Kamenev

Right wing Communism

Pro NEP and slow industrialisation of Russia. Pro Stalin’s ‘Socialism in One Country’. Bukharin , sometimes Stalin

Stalin’s Political Position 1924-29

Central Communist, more socialist. Wanted to keep NEP but temporarily, Wanted faster industrialisation but slower than left

The Funeral and Testament.

Stalin allegedly told Trotsky wrong time for funeral. May 24th, Lenin’s wife sent it to Central Committee. Zinoviev and Kamenev pro no publification. Trotsky agreed for it to not be published (unknown why)

Defeat of Trotsky

Stalin, Kamenev, Zinoviev form Anti- Trotsky alliance (supporting NEP). All highlighted Lenin and Trotsky’s disagreements pre 1917. Claimed his role in Oct Revolution was exaggerated. Zinoviev and Kamenev did most work.

13th Party Congress 1924

Trotsky made speeches for Rapid Industrialisation and more democracy in party. Stalin made congress full of his own supporters. Trotsky’s proposals rejected.

Consequences : Trotsky lost position as leader of Red Army in 1925. Left active politics

Defeat of United opposition

Stalin made right wing alliance with Bukharin since Anti-Trotsky stopped. Kamenev and Zinoviev formed ‘The United Opposition’ with Trotsky.

15th Party Congress of 1927

The United Opposition Presented case but looked bizarre since Zinoviev and Kamenev previously formed Anti Trotsky Alliance. Congress Packed with Stalin supporters

Consequences : Accused of Factionalism (Lenin’s policy) for technically going against govt. Congress expelled all 3.