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Chapter 8- Stalin's dictatorship - Coggle Diagram
Chapter 8- Stalin's dictatorship
Foreign threat
Nazi
Stalin slow to realise Nazi threat. Stalin realised there was a problem when Nazi attacks in KP2, German-Polish treaty 1934, German diplomats speaking of expanding into the USSR. Foreign policy was to get allies against Germany. 1934- USSR accepted into the USSR league of nations. 1935- agreement signed between Czech, French, USSR promising mutual assistance. The Munich agreement in 1938 worried Stalin. Stalin asked for alliance with France and Britain. 1939 Soviet-Nazi pact signed . This was for peaceful nations for 10 years and split Poland should it be invaded.
China
1935- Chinese communists led by Mao Zedong in a war against communists led by Chiang Kia-Shek. Communist party also being attacked by Japan who were occupying large ports. Stalin gave little help to communist party as he said they were not following communism properly. Zedong did not want him taking over his civil war.
Stalin supported nationalist party- WHY? thought they were more helpful, wanted Japanese expansion to be halted. They worked together and a peace treaty was signed in 1941.
1936- ANTI COMMUNIST PACT- Many countries signed because people were begining to find out about the purges. Angered Stalin.
Spain
1936-39 there was a Spanish civil war. Stalin supported the republicans who were on the left. Shifted focus away from the purges. With agreement of Stalin sending military equipment in responce Spain sent most of gold reserve. Stalin did not want republicans to win. just wanted to dominate them and enforce pro-soviet ideas. Spanish resented the USSR. Stallin said if communism won in Spain then maybe in France, Britain etc...
The purges
What was the idea?
WHY? Consolidate and extend authority. Remove threats.
TRIGGER- trial of Ryutin. A communists who published article criticising Stalin. Stalin tried to remove him from office. Led to first major party purge.
Stalin's motivations
Quickest way of terrorising colleagues. Ryutin showed him resistance was possible. He had a suspicious nature, no one was safe. Purges condition of soviet life.
The post-kirov purges
Nichole murdered, apparently because he was having an affair with mans wife but rumoured to have bee orchestrated by Stalin. He was a threat to Stalin, very popular and criticised Stalin's industrial drive.
Within hours of death Stalin signed 'decree against against terrorism act' on the pretext of hunting down the killer. Purge led by Yogoda.
30,000 conspirators rounded up imprisoned, executed, 10,000 deported from Leningrad. No party members safe.
Stalin filled vacancies with own nominees. 1935- Kirov position filled by Zhanov described as a slury cheap with no idea in his head. Vyschnkvi appointed to chief prosecutor because of vengeful ways. Benia- oversaw nation minorities- child molester and rapist.
The great purge of the party.
1936-38 did show trials to remove political enemies.
Purge of people
Purge of the armed forces
The purges go full circle
Who was responsible?
Stalin enrolment- Many skilled and industrial workers joined CPSU to further careers could only be factory owner if you had a communist party membership. They felt their position was owed to Stalin.
Stalin's totalitarian state
Nomenklatura:
Stalin's cult of personality
Est. him as a hero
Propaganda
People worship him
Komsomol
Communis union of youth. 14-18 and they had ayoung pioneers movement for those less than 14. Members got same benefits as CPSU party members. 1927- 2 mill 1940- 10 mill. Most enthuastic supporters of Stallin. Provided cheerleaders and huge gymnastic displays.