Question

Within the 17th Party Congress, a split formed between Stalin, who wanted to maintain the pace of industrialization, and the others within the Politburo who spoke about stopping forcible grain seizures and increasing workers' rations. This followed serious economic problems since 1932, including protests over low wages and long working hours, with famine also killing millions. Sergei Kirov, who had previously been one of Stalin's closest allies, now sided with those opposing him. Kirov was also the leader of the Leningrad party and had a strong power base there; his popularity was a threat to Stalin. Stalin's position as General Secretary was abolished, and Stalin, Kirov, Zhdanov, and Kaganovich were all made "secretaries of equal rank" (this may have happened with Stalin's approval as a way to share around the blame for the USSR's problems, but it still meant, in theory at least, Stalin was no more important than the other secretaries).

a) What was the key point of division within the Politburo?
b) Why did Kirov's alignment with the opposition pose a threat to Stalin?
c) What significant role did Sergei Kirov play within the party?
d) What change occurred in Stalin's position as General Secretary?
e) How did the redistribution of power affect Stalin's authority?

Answer 1

The key division in the Politburo was over industrialization policies. Sergei Kirov's opposition to Stalin posed a significant threat due to his power base in Leningrad. Stalin's role was theoretically equalized with other secretaries, affecting his autocratic authority.

Step-by-step explanation:

The key point of division within the Politburo was the pace of industrialization and the policy of forcible grain seizures. Stalin wanted to maintain rapid industrial growth, whereas others pushed for more moderate policies.

The threat posed by Sergei Kirov's alignment with the opposition to Stalin was significant because Kirov had strong support within the Leningrad party and his rising popularity could rival Stalin’s authority.

Kirov played a significant role within the Soviet Communist Party as a leader of the Leningrad party and had been one of Stalin's closest allies before siding with the opposition.

A change occurred in Stalin's position as General Secretary when he and other secretaries were made of equal rank, which, in theory, meant his leadership role was diminished.

The redistribution of power affected Stalin’s authority theoretically by placing him on equal footing with other secretaries but may have also been a strategic move by Stalin to diffuse blame for the USSR’s problems.