How Did Stalin Gain And Hold On To Power?
Overview
When Lenin died in 1924 almost no one expected Stalin to inherit the revolution. He was the dull administrator of the party, overshadowed by the brilliant Trotsky. Yet within five years Stalin had outmanoeuvred every rival, and within fifteen he held more personal power than any Tsar had ever possessed. How did the man Lenin himself had warned against rise to the very top, and how did he then make his grip on the Soviet Union almost total?
This lesson explains both halves of the question: how Stalin gained power by 1929 through cunning, his control of the party machine and the mistakes of his rivals, and how he held it through the Purges, the show trials, the secret police and a vast cult of personality. You will learn to argue how complete his control really was, the balanced judgement that Cambridge examiners reward.
Objectives
- Why did Stalin, and not Trotsky, emerge as Lenin’s successor?
- Why did Stalin launch the Purges?
- What methods did Stalin use to control the Soviet Union?
- How complete was Stalin’s control over the Soviet Union by 1941?
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on How Did Stalin Gain And Hold On To Power?. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- In which year did Lenin die? A. 1921 B. 1924 C. 1928 D. 1936 Answer: B
- Which post did Stalin use to control party appointments? A. Commissar for War B. Chairman of the Soviet C. General Secretary D. Head of the Cheka Answer: C
- Stalin's policy of building communism within the USSR was called: A. Permanent Revolution B. War Communism C. Socialism in One Country D. The New Economic Policy Answer: C
- During which years did the Great Purge mainly take place? A. 1924-29 B. 1928-33 C. 1936-38 D. 1939-41 Answer: C
- What name is given to the constant glorification of Stalin in propaganda? A. The cult of personality B. Russification C. Collectivisation D. The Red Terror Answer: A
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
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