KNOWLEDGE ORGANISER

The civil war of Russia was sparked by the tory of Bresr lovstock as amny were unhappy and angry
about it .

The Bolsheviks were well seasoned in combat due years of struggling fora revolution

The white were unexperienced and were divided geographically and there leaders were young and
inexperienced therefore they lost the war to the Bolsheviks.

The Bolsheviks had a more experienced army for example Trotsky used the railways to transport his
elite soldiers around to where he needed them.

The Communists used war Time Communist policies during the war. These policies were ruthlessl
and were especially hard on peasants as it took their grain for low prices which were fixed by the
Bolshevik party.

The civil war was a turning point in communist policies which became more harsh and violent. This
was spearheaded by Lenin as he saw the civil war was seen as a do or die moment for the Bolsheviks

NEP

NEP= New economic policy.

The NEP was implemented by Lenin in 1921. The NEP was a step away from what is considered
traditional communism and it was unexpected, as Lenin himself in the past was against ideas similar
to it. This was highlighted through in ideas in ‘What is to be done’.

Many historians view the NEP as a pragmatic response to the dire economic conditions in Russia
after the Russian Civil War. It allowed for a temporary retreat from strict communist policies in favor
of limited capitalism to revive the war-ravaged economy.

Some historians argue that the NEP helped stabilize the Soviet economy by restoring agricultural
production and encouraging small-scale private enterprises. This period saw a degree of economic
growth and recovery.

The NEP also sparked debates within the Communist Party. Some historians highlight the tension
between those who supported a more market-oriented approach and those who adhered to a strict
socialist ideology. Lenin himself saw the NEP as a temporary compromise.

Historians often discuss the social impact of the NEP, which allowed for greater individual freedom
and entrepreneurial activity. It led to the emergence of a nascent middle class and cultural changes
in Soviet society.
The NEP's legacy is a topic of historical discussion. It was eventually replaced by more centralized
planning under Stalin, which had profound and often devastating consequences. Some historians
argue that the NEP's demise marked the end of a more open and diverse phase in Soviet history.

Historians have varying opinions on the NEP, with some highlighting its pragmatic economic benefits
and others emphasizing the ideological debates and its eventual replacement by more authoritarian
policies. The assessment often depends on the historian's perspective and the broader context in
which they examine the NEP.

Lenin would pass away before the NEP was In full effect throughout Russia and historians argue that
it was abandoned after his death in 1924.

Bolshevik control and power from 1917:

The Bolsheviks had three primary forms of oppostion:

From other political groups both on the right and left of the political spectrum

From their many opponents throughout the Empire – from former Tsarist officials and supporters of
the monarchy to peasants farmers.

From the ideological opposition which were seen more as perceived than real, the bourgeois and
Upper class whom the Bourgeoisie fought

The Menshevik and SR opposition in the Soviet congress of October 1917 destroyed themselves by
their walkout leaving the Bolsheviks with a monopoly of power.

27 October, Sovnarkom banned opposition press, arrested of Kadet, Menshevik and SR leaders.
Bolsheviks avoided a coalition government and the pressure from it by striking railwaymen.

The Cheka under Iron Felix Dzerzhinksky in December 1917 was a sign of the new regime’s
determination to destroy its opponents. The combination of the dismissal of the constituent
assembly and extension of the Red Army to deal with rebellion made it clear that the Bolsheviks
would do all in its power to destroy all enemies.

Dec 1922: Alliance formed between Zinoviev, Kamanev and Stalin as they want to block Trotsky who
is most likely to succeed, although Z and K share left wing views on economic policy with Trotsky,
they fear him due to his arrogance and uncompromising personality.

April 1923: 12th Party Congress (Lenin unable to attend) a new enlarged Central Committee of 40
members is elected, only 3 are strong supporters of Trotsky, Stalin uses his powers as G.S to build up
supporters at the local level.

Jan 1924: Lenin dies and Stalin gives Trotsky the wrong date for Lenin’s funeral; Trotsky is absent and
Stalin gives the funeral oration. Stalin dismissed supporters of the left opposition.
May 1924: Lenin’s widow releases Lenin’s testament to the central committee shortly before the 13 th
party congress. Z and K argue against its publication as it references to their opposition in 1917,
Trotsky doesn’t get involved. This aids Stalin.

Nov 1924: In the Congress Trotsky’s speech in favour of democracy and anti-bureaucracy of the party
was defeated by the Stalinist delegates.

Jan 1925: Trotsky published ‘lessons of October’ showing how Z and K opposed Lenin but doesn’t
implicate Stalin.

Dec 1925: Trotsky is forced from his position as Commissar of War

July 1926: 14th Party Congress; Stalin supports Bukharin, Z and K attack Stalin and call a vote of no
confidence but fail.

Nov 1926: Z and K join Trotsky in the left wing United opposition. Stalin accuse them of factionalism
and Z is removed from Politburo.

Z and T are expelled from Communist Party and K from C.C. U.O collapses.

Jan 1928: Trotsky is deported, some of his followers join Stalin as he announces a new left leaning
economic strategy against Bukharin.

Sep 1928: Bukharin tries to set up an alliance with Trotsky but supporters divided, both accused by
Stalin of factionalism.

Feb 1929: Trotsky deported to Constantinople.

April 1929: Bukharin removed as editor of Pravda.

Nov 1929: Bukharin and his supporters, Rykov and Tomsky removed from the Politburo.

Dec 1929: Stalin celebrates his 50th birthday as the undisputed soviet leader.
 1936 CONSTITUTION:

- The 1936 Constitution granted universal suffrage to all citizens over the age of 18, regardless of
gender, nationality, or social status. This was a departure from the previous 1924 Constitution, which
did not grant equal voting rights to all citizens.

**Declaration of Right.

- The Constitution included an extensive list of rights and freedoms for Soviet citizens, including
the right to work, education, healthcare, and social security.

- However, these rights were often subject to limitations, as the state could interpret and restrict
them as it saw fit.

**Socialist State

- The Constitution defined the Soviet Union as a socialist state, a union of workers, peasants, and
intelligentsia.

- The Communist Party's leading role in the state and society was enshrined in the Constitution.

d. **Economic Principles**:

- The Constitution emphasized state ownership of the means of production, collectivization of

agriculture, and centralized economic planning.

e. **Supreme Soviet**:

- The highest organ of state power was the Supreme

The 1936 Constitution of the Soviet Union, also known as the "Stalin Constitution," marked a
significant moment in Soviet history. Here are detailed notes on this constitution:

1. **Adoption and Context**:

- The 1936 Constitution was adopted on December 5, 1936, and it replaced the 1924 Constitution
of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic.

- Its adoption coincided with Joseph Stalin's consolidation of power and the height of his rule.

2. **Structure**:
 - The Constitution had 11 sections and 146 articles.

- It was divided into two main parts: the Fundamental Rights and Duties of Citizens and the
Organization of the State.

3. **Key Features**:

**Universal Suffrage

- The 1936 Constitution granted universal suffrage to all citizens over the age of 18, regardless of
gender, nationality, or social status. This was a departure from the previous 1924 Constitution, which
did not grant equal voting rights to all citizens.

**Declaration of Rights

- The Constitution included an extensive list of rights and freedoms for Soviet citizens, including
the right to work, education, healthcare, and social security.

- However, these rights were often subject to limitations, as the state could interpret and restrict
them as it saw fit.

**Socialist State**:

- The Constitution defined the Soviet Union as a socialist state, a union of workers, peasants, and
intelligentsia.

- The Communist Party's leading role in the state and society was enshrined in the Constitution.

. **Economic Principles**:

- The Constitution emphasized state ownership of the means of production, collectivization of

agriculture, and centralized economic planning.

e. **Supreme Soviet:

- The highest organ of state power was the Supreme Soviet, consisting of two chambers: the
Soviet of the Union (representing Soviet republics) and the Soviet of Nationalities (representing
nationalities within the republics).

- The Supreme Soviet had the authority to elect the Presidium, which functioned as the collective
head of state.

**Presidium and Chairman

 - The Constitution established the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet as the collective head of
state.

- The Chairman of the Presidium (essentially the head of state) held significant power within the
Soviet system. Mikhail Kalinin served as the first Chairman.

**Individual Rights vs. State Control

- While the Constitution ostensibly granted individual rights, it also allowed for restrictions on
these rights in the name of the "interests of the working people."

*Legacy and Criticism

- The 1936 Constitution provided a veneer of legality and democratic features to the Soviet system,
but in practice, it was used to legitimize the authoritarian rule of Joseph Stalin.

- Many of the rights and freedoms outlined in the Constitution were not effectively protected, and
repression and purges continued.

- It solidified the role of the Communist Party as the dominant force in Soviet society and
government.

the 1936 Constitution of the Soviet Union was a significant document that, on paper, guaranteed a
range of rights and universal suffrage. However, it should be viewed in the context of the
authoritarian regime of Joseph Stalin, where these rights were often limited or ignored in practice.

Stalin used various forms of terror and repression to gain and maintain control and power in the
Soviet Union. Here are some examples:

*The Great Purge (1936-1938)

- Stalin initiated the Great Purge, also known as the Great Terror, to eliminate perceived enemies
within the Communist Party and society.

- Thousands of party members, military officers, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens were arrested,
interrogated, and subjected to show trials.

- Many were falsely accused of being saboteurs, spies, or Trotskyists and were executed or sent to
labor camps (Gulags).

- The purge was aimed at eliminating any potential opposition and ensuring loyalty to Stalin's
leadership.
. **Show Trials

- Stalin staged highly publicized show trials of prominent party leaders like Lev Trotsky, Grigory
Zinoviev, and Nikolai Bukharin.

- These trials were orchestrated to produce false confessions and often ended in death sentences.

- The purpose was to discredit and eliminate political rivals while sending a clear message about
the consequences of dissent.

*Secret Police (NKVD):

- Stalin's secret police, the NKVD (People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs), played a central role
in enforcing terror.

- They conducted mass arrests, interrogations, and executions, often without due process.

- The NKVD operated a vast network of informants, further fueling paranoia and distrust in society.

**Censorship and Propaganda

- Stalin's regime exercised strict censorship, controlling media, literature, and the arts.

- Propaganda portrayed Stalin as a benevolent leader while demonizing perceived enemies.

- Dissenting voices were silenced, and historical records were often rewritten to suit the official
narrative.

. **Forced Labor Camps (Gulags)

- Stalin expanded the system of forced labor camps, known as Gulags, to imprison and exploit
political prisoners, dissenters, and criminals.

- Millions of people were sent to these camps, where they endured harsh conditions, forced labor,
and high mortality rates.

**Mass Deportations

- Stalin ordered mass deportations of entire ethnic groups, such as the Crimean Tatars, Chechens,
and Volga Germans, accusing them of disloyalty.

- These deportations disrupted communities and led to significant suffering.

*Purge of the Red Army

- Stalin conducted a purge of the Red Army in the late 1930s, where many military officers were
arrested and executed.
 - This weakened the military's leadership and potential opposition.

These examples illustrate how Stalin used a combination of political purges, propaganda, mass
arrests, and intimidation to instill fear and maintain a tight grip on power. The Great Purge, in
particular, stands out as a period of extreme repression and violence during his rule.

Joseph Stalin's rise to power in the Soviet Union after Vladimir Lenin's death in 1924 involved a
complex and often ruthless political struggle. Here are detailed notes on how Stalin managed to win
the power struggle:

**Lenin's Testament (1922)

- Vladimir Lenin, in his "Testament," expressed concerns about Stalin's growing power. He
suggested that Stalin be removed from the position of General Secretary of the Communist Party due
to his excessive use of authority.

. **Formation of Factions

- After Lenin's death in 1924, the Communist Party split into various factions, with key figures vying
for power. The two primary factions were:

- **The Triumvirate**: Stalin, Lev Kamenev, and Grigory Zinoviev initially formed an alliance
against Trotsky.

- **Leon Trotsky**: A prominent figure in the Red Army and a key intellectual leader, Trotsky
posed a significant challenge to Stalin's ambitions.

**Alliance with Bukharin and Rightists:

- Stalin formed a tactical alliance with Nikolai Bukharin and the right-wing of the party. This alliance
helped him counter the influence of the Triumvirate.

- Stalin and Bukharin advocated for the "Socialism in One Country" policy, emphasizing building
socialism within the Soviet Union rather than exporting revolution globally, which was Trotsky's
position.

. *Role of the Secretariat

- As General Secretary of the Communist Party, Stalin controlled key party appointments and had
significant influence over party members.

- This allowed him to place loyal supporters in crucial positions and consolidate his power base
within the party bureaucracy.
**Discrediting Opposition

- Stalin and his allies worked to discredit and isolate rivals, particularly Trotsky. They accused him of
factionalism, disloyalty, and "oppositionism."

- Trotsky was removed from his position as Commissar of War in 1925 and expelled from the
Central Committee in 1927.

**Elimination of Zinoviev and Kamenev:

- Stalin turned on his former allies, Zinoviev and Kamenev, and had them removed from key
positions and expelled from the party in 1927.

- This left Stalin in a dominant position within the party leadership.

**Purge of the Left Opposition

- Stalin systematically purged the Left Opposition, which included Trotsky's supporters, from the
party and government positions.

- Many were accused of "anti-Soviet activities" and were exiled or executed.

. **Stalin's Consolidation of Power:

- By the late 1920s, Stalin had effectively consolidated his power within the Communist Party and
the Soviet state.

- In 1929, he became the de facto leader of the Soviet Union, with full control over the party
apparatus, the Red Army, and the state bureaucracy.

. **Collectivization and Industrialization

- Stalin's policies of rapid industrialization and collectivization of agriculture further solidified his
power. These policies were pursued with little regard for human suffering and loss of life.

In summary, Stalin's rise to power involved a combination of political maneuvering, alliances, and
ruthless purges of his opponents. His control over key party positions and his ability to exploit
factionalism within the Communist Party ultimately allowed him to emerge as the undisputed leader
of the Soviet.

*First Five-Year Plan (1928-1932):

1. Initiation:The First Five-Year Plan was launched in 1928 as an ambitious economic strategy to
rapidly industrialize the Soviet Union.

2. *Goals:* The primary goal was to transform the Soviet Union from an agrarian society into an
industrial superpower.

3. Key Focus: Heavy industry, such as coal, steel, and machinery, received the most attention.
Collectivization of agriculture was also a significant component.

4. *Successes: It led to significant growth in heavy industry, with the production of steel and coal
increasing substantially. Infrastructure like railways and power plants were built.

5. *Challenges: The plan faced significant issues, including inefficient production, shortages of
consumer goods, and harsh living conditions for workers.

6. *Social Impact: The rapid industrialization led to urbanization as people moved from rural areas to
cities to work in the growing industrial centers.

**Second Five-Year Plan (1933-1937):**

1. Initiation:* The Second Five-Year Plan was initiated in 1933, soon after the completion of the first
plan.

2. Goals:** It aimed to continue industrialization while giving more focus to consumer goods
production.

3. *Key Focus: Heavy industry was still a priority, but more emphasis was placed on producing
consumer goods, including textiles, household items, and food products.

4. *Successes: Industrial output continued to grow, and the Soviet Union saw further progress in
sectors like mining, energy, and transportation.

5. Challenges: The plan faced issues like over-centralization, a shortage of skilled labor, and quality
control problems in consumer goods.

6. Social Impact: The urban population continued to increase, but the living conditions for the
common people remained challenging.

Third Five-Year Plan (1938-1941):

1. *Initiation:* The Third Five-Year Plan began in 1938 but was disrupted by the outbreak of World
War II in 1941.

2. *Goals: It aimed to build on the previous plans and increase the overall capacity of Soviet industry.

3. Key Focus:* The plan concentrated on heavy industry, military production, and the expansion of
transportation and infrastructure.

4. Successes: It achieved substantial progress in military industry, which was crucial during World
War II. Infrastructure and transportation networks were improved.

5. Challenges:* The outbreak of the war led to significant disruptions and resource allocation
changes.
6.*Social Impact,As World War II approached, there was a shift towards war preparation, and living
conditions remained difficult for many.

These three consecutive Five-Year Plans marked a period of rapid industrialization in the Soviet
Union, which transformed it into a major industrial and military power. However, they also came at a
cost, with many challenges and hardships faced by the Soviet population during this time.

Urbanisation and Living Standards

Migration of 20 million peasants to the urban centres of the Soviet Union 1928-41

Lack of discipline worried the party that they may have an influence of the younger workers

Hoffman: Peasants didn’t internalise loyalty to government

Overcrowding, especially in towns like Magnitogorsk, many lived in corridors of communal

apartments, 25% lived in mud huts. Corner dwlles slept on the floor in a corner of the kitchen.

January 1933: Stalin made a speech which lied about the prosperity of the workers

Consumption meat for W.C fell to 60%

More employment for women was the only impact

Women in the workforce

10 million entered the workforce, dominated medicine.

Paid less, less literate and involved in political or technical education

44% made up the workforce (1935) Leningrad

A Verdict on the 5 year plan

1928-41 – Industrial output trebled, Annual growth rate was 10%

Industrial enterprises grew from 9000 in 1928 to 64000 in 1938

To protect the country was one of the main focuses: 28-fold increase in the production of aircraft and
tanks 1930-40
Yet, there was a lot of human suffering, poor conditions with inadequate equipment and
inexperienced workers

The proletariat.

Proletariatism, was a propaganda tool used to highlight certain characteristics and a general attitude
of a ideal Soviet citizen. These characteristics include: loyalty to the state and being a hard working
citizen.

Alexi stakhonov movement. He wad a worker who in only 5 hours managed to get a huge amount of
coal. As a result he was praised and rewarded and was used as a propaganda tool which resulted in
others trying to replicate his achievements and factories would set unattainable targets, which led to
factories managers lying about amounts.

Classless society

Bolshevik Revolution accompanied with active campaign against class enemies. Burzhui

Official abolition of class hierarchy in November 1917, everyone was a plain citizen and those who
were nobles of bourgeoisie Not allowed to work, post to do menial tasks like Rd sweeping. houses
requisition and turned into Komsmunalka for workers

During C.W, rationing given least to the old elite.

Communist wanted to create a new socialist man.

Cultural revolution: lasted from 1928 to 1931

Return to class struggle with attacks on the Bourgeois specialists and Kulaks, Attack on the old
intellegensia and Bourgeois cultural values.

Traditional classroom teaching often replaced we have socially useful labour. Non Marxist in higher
education, arts and literature, in schools an architecture denounced. Emphasis was an education
workers opportunities offered on technical education, Khrushchev, Brezhnev and Kosygin became
Key soviet leaders in 50s, 60s, 70s were amongst the 150,000 workers and communists entering H.E
during first 5YP.

Trained as engineers before moving onto political work and becoming the core of the Stalinist elite
after the purges – referred to as the Brezhnev generation. Increased social mobility, more than half a
million communist workers moved from manual jobs to white collar jobs. Fitzpatrick States that total
number of workers moving into white collar jobs during the first five year plan was at least 1.5
million.

The role of the Komsomols (Young Communists)

14 to 28 years old, 1927 2 million members, exclusive club

soldiers of production imposing labour discipline enforcing collectivization, leading campaign
against religion, exposing corruption, c causing riots day Bourgeois plays

The Cultural Revolution in the arts

Rejection of old elite, emphasis on proletarian background of artists

In Rapp became the dominating force, socialist construction and class struggle had to be at the
hall of literature, artistic brigade Which sang praises of

industrialization.

Impact of World War II on Russia: ww2 had major and lasting effects on Russia.

Human Casualties:

- The Soviet Union, including Russia, suffered some of the most significant human losses during
World War II. Military casualties, including deaths, injuries, and prisoners of war, numbered in the
millions. Civilian casualties, resulting from bombings, atrocities, and famine, also reached
staggering levels.

Economic Devastation

- The war left a profound impact on the Soviet economy. Industrial centers were heavily
damaged, agricultural production declined, and infrastructure was in ruins. The economic cost of
the war was immense, requiring extensive post-war reconstruction efforts.

Territorial Changes:

- The Soviet Union experienced significant territorial changes as a result of World War II. The
Yalta and Potsdam Conferences in 1945 led to the Soviet annexation and influence over Eastern
European countries, establishing the Eastern Bloc and shaping the geopolitical landscape of the
Cold War era.

Industrial Mobilization:

- During the war, the Soviet Union underwent a rapid industrial mobilization to meet the
demands of the conflict. This laid the groundwork for post-war economic recovery and contributed
to the Soviet Union's status as an industrial power in the post-war period.

Technological Advances:
 - The demands of wartime spurred technological advancements in the Soviet Union. The
development of military technologies, including the Soviet atomic bomb in 1949, showcased the
country's scientific and technological capabilities.

Social Changes:

- World War II brought about significant social changes in the Soviet Union. The war effort
necessitated the active participation of women in the workforce and the military, challenging
traditional gender roles. The experience of the war also fostered a sense of unity and patriotism
among the Soviet people.

Impact on Culture and Arts:

- The war influenced Soviet literature, arts, and cinema. Works produced during and after the
war often reflected the hardships, sacrifices, and heroism of the Soviet people. War themes
became prominent in cultural expressions.

- The Soviet Union emerged from World War II as one of the victorious Allied powers. This
elevated its status on the global stage, leading to its permanent membership in the United Nations
Security Council and establishing it as a major player in post-war geopolitics.

- The war left a lasting impact on the collective psyche of the Soviet people. The trauma of the
conflict, coupled with the loss of millions of lives, had profound and enduring effects on
subsequent generations.