Political Impact

Great Terror (1934 to 1938)

Kirov Affair

By 1930 Stalin had removed most of his opponents competing to succeed Lenin . He then focused on eliminating other potential rivals under the Great Terror .
There was growing opposition and resentment against Stalin's Five year plan due to high human costs and suffering .
In 1934 Stalin was stripped of his title by the communist party congress and elected secretary with Kirov .
Kirov favoured a relaxation of the five year plan . But in 1934 , he was assasinated under mysterious circumstances . Stalin seized the opportunity to eliminate his political rivals especially those who did not support his policies.

Purges and show trials

Stalin used Kirov's death as an excuse to eliminate "anti-soviet elements "
Show trials were set up and officials such as zinoviev and kamenev were accused of crimes and excuted
The Red army was also purged , this lead to loss of leadership for inexperienced soliders and affected Soviet Union's ability to prepare of WWII .

The elimination of intellectuals , skilled workers and officers

The execution of large numbers of intellctuals and skilled workers had an adverse impact on the strength of the country .
Loss of scientists and engineers also affected the push towards industrialisation .

Propaganda

Stalin used propaganda to make his rule justified , he was potrayed as a father figure to his people .
All achievements and successes were credited to Stalin and through cultivating a personality cult , Stalin convinced many people about his policies .
Soviet history was also rewritten to make Stalin look like the rightful leader .
Opponents such as Trotsky were also removed from photographs .