Quiz on Lenin's Death and Its Aftermath

What was Stalin's position in 1922?

• General Secretary

• Commissar of War

• Leader of the Soviet Union

• Commissar of Nationalities

Answer explanation

In 1922, Stalin held the position of General Secretary of the Communist Party, which allowed him to consolidate power and influence within the party, making this the correct answer.

What did the Central Committee and local provincial committees draw up?

• New party rules

• Lists of key positions

• Membership guidelines

• Efficiency measures

Answer explanation

The Central Committee and local provincial committees focused on organizational structure, leading to the creation of lists of key positions, which are essential for effective governance and management within the party.

David Christian in his book " Power and privilege" 1991, says

"Thus the Secretariat's control of the apparat ( party machinery) of professional party workers, effectively gave it control of all key positions in Soviet society."

Whoever therefore held the position of General Secretary could:-

• Fill key positions, promote and demote members

• surround himself with people loyal to him, who were grateful for their jobs

• have contact with the local committees from various regions & gain patronage

• all of a), b) and c)

Answer explanation

The General Secretary had the power to fill key positions, promote or demote members, and surround himself with loyal supporters. Thus, all options a), b), and c) are correct, making 'all of a), b) and c)' the right choice.

What was the main concern of the Politburo regarding Stalin?

• His lack of experience

• His power as general secretary

• His popularity among the masses

• His foreign policy decisions

Answer explanation

The main concern of the Politburo regarding Stalin was his power as general secretary, as it allowed him to consolidate control over the party and state, raising fears of authoritarianism and potential threats to their own positions.

In his biography of Stalin, what did Deutscher refer to him as, during the years of Lenin's illness?

• Incompetent and weak

• A grey Blur

• Charismatic and popular

• Unambitious and indecisive

Answer explanation

Deutscher referred to Stalin as 'A grey Blur' during Lenin's illness, indicating his lack of distinctiveness and influence at that time, contrasting with other more prominent figures in the Bolshevik leadership.

What role did Stalin play in 1907 to fund the Bolshevik cause ?

• terrorist

• general secretary

• Commissar of Nationalities

• bank robber

Answer explanation

In 1907, Stalin played a crucial role in funding the Bolshevik cause by participating in a bank robbery in Tiflis, which provided significant financial resources for the party's activities. Thus, he is correctly identified as a bank robber.

Stalin was instrumental in the propaganda for the Bolsheviks through which Newspaper?

• Proviso

• Pravda

• Der Sturmer

• NKVD

Answer explanation

Stalin played a key role in Bolshevik propaganda through the newspaper Pravda, which was the official voice of the party and helped disseminate their ideas and policies effectively.

What was Stalin criticized for during the civil war of 1918-19?

• His leadership in the defence of Tsaritsyn

• His dictatorial and violent behaviour

• His support for the Provisional Government

• His opposition to Lenin

Answer explanation

Stalin was criticized for his dictatorial and violent behaviour during the civil war, which alienated many and raised concerns about his methods, contrasting with the more democratic ideals of the Bolshevik leadership.

What position did Stalin hold that allowed him to connect with people from many Nations within the USSR ?

(a)  

Answer explanation

Stalin held the position of Commissar of Nationalities, which enabled him to engage with various ethnic groups within the USSR, fostering connections and addressing their needs and concerns.

What is the most accurate deception that Stalin played on Trotsky after Lenin had died?

• He arranged the funeral but didn't tell Trotsky

• He was pallbearer of Lenin's coffin and Trotsky was not asked

• He told Trotsky that Lenin had made him successor

• He is rumoured to have told Trotsky the wrong date for the funeral.

Answer explanation

Stalin's most accurate deception was reportedly telling Trotsky the wrong date for Lenin's funeral, which effectively excluded him from a significant event and showcased Stalin's manipulative tactics in consolidating power.