d
After a power struggle among Lenin’s
followers, Stalin became the ruler of Russia. In
Ire la n
3
Stalin and the USSR, 1924–1939 this chapter we will see how he transformed
the society and economy of the USSR. We will
also read how the use of terror played a central role in Stalin’s policies. Chapter 4 we will focus
of
on the case study – the show trials that saw leading members of the Communist Party
at io
Useful terms
na l
C
Stalin (right) was always careful to portray himself as a loyal supporter of Lenin (left) and his ideas.
om pa ny
accused of incredulous crimes.
Enemies of the people: Term used by the Soviet government to describe anyone who opposed Stalin’s policies.
Gulag: Prison camp system in the USSR.
Industrialisation: The transformation of Russia from an agricultural country to a modern industrial power.
Kulak: Wealthy peasants regarded as enemies of his policies by Stalin.
NKVD: The organisation responsible for state security, including the police and the secret police.
Th
e
Ed
uc
Old Bolsheviks: Members of the Communist Party who had joined before 1917.
Purges: Removing opponents, real or imagined, of Stalin from the Communist Party.
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Show Trials: Propaganda trials of those accused of plotting against Stalin.
Socialism in One Country: Stalin’s policy of establishing socialism in the Soviet Union to ensure the success of the revolution. It involved rapid industrialisation using Five Year Plans.
16 ❘ CASE STUDIES FOR TOPIC 3: DICTATORSHIP & DEMOCRACY
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