Consolidation and analysis
A case study in how organisational power beats charisma. A strong answer weighs Stalin's strengths against his rivals' weaknesses.
Q1. Explain the difference between "permanent revolution" and "socialism in one country".
Q2. How did Stalin's role as General Secretary help him gain power?
Q3. In which order did Stalin defeat his rivals? Name the Left and Right oppositions and their approximate dates.
Q4. "Stalin's rise to power owed more to his rivals' mistakes than to his own abilities." Evaluate this statement.