Mr. Meester AP European History Pages 876-886 Communism in Russia Mr. Meester AP European History Pages 876-886

The Soviet Experiment The Bolshevik revolution and transformation of Russia to the Soviet Union would have the biggest impact following the war. Russia would withdraw from European affairs Fear of communist expansion would be a constant threat to western democracies This fear would drive politics in the west for the next seven decades

Early Conflicts Following the Brest-Litovsk Treaty Russia descended into civil war Reds (Communists) vs. Whites (Czarists) Poland tried to take advantage of this conflict by seizing territory in Ukraine Fighting concluded in 1921 with the Treaty of Riga Lenin and Trotsky eventually suppressed internal and foreign opposition

War Communism These military threats had allowed the Bolsheviks adopt authoritarian policies Dictatorship of the Proletariat The Cheka secret police War Communism (economic policy) The government took over the banks, railroads, heavy industry, and seized grain from the “Kulaks” (middle class peasants). This gave rise to discontent (especially peasants)

The New Economic Policy War Communism had aided in winning the war but had been an economic disaster for the USSR The NEP maintained government control of “Commanding Heights” of the economy Foreign Trade, Transportation, Industry Allowed limited capitalism in agriculture Peasants paid a fixed “acreage tax”, but were allowed to sell surplus crops for a profit Production quickly returned to pre-war levels, but was limited by outdated technology Still very limited number of consumer goods

The Death of Lenin Lenin developed health problems in 1922 2 serious strokes in 7 months While facing forced retirement and/or death he wrote a secret “testament” on the strengths & weakness of his possible successors, Leon Trotsky & Joseph Stalin. He greatly feared Stalin would abuse his power He suffered a 3rd stroke in 1924 and died before he could remove Stalin for the General Secretary position in the party.

Leon Trotsky Lev Davidovich Bronstein (Trotsky) was a Jewish intellectual active in revolutionary work, particularly in the 1905 Revolution. He joined Lenin’s movement in 1917, and soon became his right-hand man. Chairman of the Petrograd Soviet Headed the early Brest-Litovsk negotiating team Served as Foreign Commissar Was “Father” of the Red Army. A brilliant organizer and theorist, Trotsky was also brusque, and some felt, overbearing.

The Rise of Stalin Josef Visarionovich Dzugashvili (Stalin) was born in the Georgian village of Gori. Next generation Bolshevik, highly organized, and was Lenin’s expert on minorities He took over seemingly unimportant Party organizations after and transformed them into important bases of power.

Power Structure General Secretary was looked down on by party elite as a clerical position Stalin used his position to manipulate the Politburo (which ran the country) Controlled the following: Orgburo (appointed people to positions within the Politburo) Isnpectorate (attempted to eliminate Party corruption) Secretariat (Set the Politburo agenda)

Differing Viewpoints Trotsky accused the others of drifting away from Lenin’s revolutionary views. Trotsky wanted a “Permanent Revolution” Blended an ongoing commitment to world revolution and developing a heavy industrial base in Russia. Stalin responded with the concept of “Socialism in One Country” Committed Russia to building up its socialist base regardless of the status of the world revolution.

Socialism in One Country 1924, Trotsky accused his opposition of not supporting Lenin’s initial plan to seize power in 1917. As a result, Trotsky was removed as Commissar of War in 1925 Two months later the Party accepted “Socialism in One Country” as its official governing doctrine.

Stalin’s Triumph A number of Stalin supporters were added to the Politburo and the Central Committee. By 1927 was removed from all offices and sent to Siberia In 1929 he was forced into exile Stalin was now firmly in charge and instituted his plan for the Soviet Union. He has Trotsky assassinated in Mexico in 1940

Foreign Policy (1918-1929) The focus of Soviet Foreign policy at this point was the expansion of communism throughout the world. 1919, The Comintern (Third International or Communist International) sought to coordinate the revolutionary activities of communist parties abroad. It often conflicted with Soviet diplomatic interests, but it was promoted by the government. Was very much against Social Democratic parties Helped give rise to the Fascists and Nazis

Hope for Women Communism dismissed traditional views on family and the roles of women. Alexandra Kollontai’s Communism and the Family shows a new kind of family Liberates both men and women Expansion of sexual freedom Radical sharing of tasks at home Removes egotistical and exploitive relationships Though not accepted by most Soviets western nations believe they were

Reality for Women The Revolution did bring about some change Divorce was easier to attain Legitimate & illegitimate children had equal rights Abortion was legalized Women were given more protection in the workplace and in marriage Women were allowed to vote & join the communist party More educational opportunities They were still expected to do their “usual roles” (Housework, raising children, etc.)