Stalin´s industrialisation did gain more for the public. Unemployment became almost nonexistent, many people had well paid skilled jobs and got bonuses for meeting targets, health care was readily available and education was free and compulsory for everyone.
However life at this time was very harsh, any mistake in the factory was severely punished.
Stalin ruled the USSR through fear and propaganda, in 1934 he began what became known as the purges. He had any opponent of him killed or sent to labour camps. He had 1 million people executed, 2 million people died in camps, 1 million died in prison and 8 million people died as a result of the work ethic.
The evidence shows that Stalin was a very paranoid man who was aware that his position as leader could be threatened at any time.
“Stalin was a very distrustful man, very suspicious.” Source H
Stalin believed that using terror was the only way of keeping power. He claimed he was defending Communism.
“Stalin was convinced that the use of terror and executions was necessary for the defence of Socialism and Communism.” Source G a speech by Khrushchev in 1956.
Stalin became admired by the public in many cases he was admired to the point that it developed into the Cult of the Individual. Most of the people thought that Stalin did no wrong.
“The men of all ages will call thy name, which is strong, beautiful, wise and marvelous.” Source E.
The use of censoring and propaganda may however cover up any negative things about Stalin.
“Stalin is the brilliant leader and teacher of the Party,” Source K from a biography of Stalin published in Russia in 1947.
In conclusion, the evidence suggests that Stalin was a monster. He had millions of people killed and was responsible for the deaths of many more. He killed them simply to keep his power and rule by terror. However Stalin did improve the living conditions of many people in the USSR which could suggest he wasn´t a total monster.
7) Use the sources and your knowledge of Stalin and Soviet history to explain why there has been a disagreement about Stalin. (8) Stalin is a figure in history that creates conflicting opinions.
Some historians think he was a very bad politician whereas some think he was a superb politician. Some think he was a monster while some think he wasn´t.
The sources are good examples of this. Some describe Stalin as the greatest man that ever lived and some describe him as a tyrant.
Soviet history shows that Stalin´s polices changed the USSR beyond all recognition, this was a positive thing as before Stalin came to power the USSR was very backward. However Stalin is believed, by some to be a very poor politician who used terror and fear to cover up his lack of ability.
“Stalin is unhappy at not being able to convince everyone, himself included, that he is greater than everyone else. If someone speaks better than he does, that man if for it!” Source F.
“Everywhere he saw “enemies” “double dealers” and spies.” Source H a speech by Khrushchev.
Stalin was very paranoid about his ability as leader, he got rid of any opposition during the “purges” where he carried out executions of his opponents.
Stalin was very popular at the time, although he now appears like a monster the Soviet public thought very highly of him.
“Everybody is familiar with the clarity of mind, his iron will, his devotion to the party, his ardent faith in the people and love for the people.” Source K.
The disagreement about Stalin is whether or not he was a good politician and whether he was a monster.
It is difficult to know the whole truth about Stalin, the use of censoring and propaganda in the USSR at the time he was in power means the reliability of the sources that came out of the USSR at the time is questionable. Sources that came out of places such as France are also questionable as they are generally written by exiled Russians who will be bitter and produce biased accounts.
In conclusion the sources suggest that the disagreement about Stalin is because of the differing accounts of Stalin´s time in power, some portray him as a monster where some show him as the hero of the USSR. Stalin was a very complex character. He did many evil things but also did many very good things for the USSR. He was a good politician and changed the USSR, but was also very paranoid and felt the need to kill anyone who posed a threat to him.