Lenin and Stalin World Studies January 6

I. Russian Civil War (1918-1921) The Reds (communists) vs. the Whites (those loyal to the czar) The Allies supported the Whites in hopes of getting Russia back into WWI The Reds had the support of the people, but assassinated the czar just in case Reds will be led by Leon Trotsky Formed the cheka (secret police) to seek out White supporters

Two Views of Trotsky

Russia was in more trouble than before Reds win, but at a cost Took over factories, mines, railroads and farms from the people Forced peasants to be soldiers Millions died from fighting, starvation, disease Russia was in more trouble than before

II. Lenin’s USSR Russia becomes part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) or Soviet Union Constitution gave ownership of resources and power to the people In reality the Communist Party controlled everything and Russia was the most powerful Soviet

The economy was bad after the wars Lenin allowed some capitalist elements to encourage production New Economic Plan (NEP) Allowed USSR to stabilize, but Lenin felt he’d sold out Communism He dies suddenly in 1924 Had suggested Trotsky as his successor But no one listened

Ms. Malstrom in Red Square

III. Stalin’s USSR Communists feared that Trotsky was too popular, could become too powerful Chose Stalin instead Quiet, but manipulative behind the scenes Trotsky was forced to flee USSR; was later assassinated in Mexico

The Man of Steel

Stalin was determined to make the USSR a modern industrial power Had several Five-Year plans to industry, farm production and transportation Created a command economy in which the government owned everything and made all decisions (Opposite of free market economy)

Stalin’s policies were brutal, but effective Stalin’s Goals: Modernize Russia (Saw Russia as being 50-100 years behind other European countries) Develop the perfect communist state Make the Soviet Union into a power state that would be able to withstand an attack Stalin’s policies were brutal, but effective Increased production through force Eliminated opposition by killing all his enemies in the Great Purge