Opening Statement: Anti-Stalinism

“Violence breeds more injustice.” This quote encaptures the backbone of Leninism and all of the principles that sparked the revolution in Russia. The Soviet Union’s initial and lasting support stems from these wise principles of Lenin; aim for equality, raise people to higher standards, and empower those who were once oppressed. Stalin enforced the idea of waiting, properly organizing, and not making spontaneous, rash decisions post October-Revolution. There is no doubt that Lenin created a socialist wave that changed the entire political and social scene of Russia in the early 1900s. As monumental as this movement was, it was hindered and quickly re-routed through Stalin and his communist political agenda. Stalin’s policies were destructive and counterproductive to the overarching principles of socialism in order to expedite a communist state. In regard to industrialization, Stalin approached the situation un-uniformly and unjustly. Work sites such as Magnitogorsk were inhumane, there were no guidelines for dekulakization, and collectivization did not take into account the peasantry’s best interests. Trailblazing communism came with its minute hurdles of success, however, these successes do not triumph the tragedies associated with this social movement. The poor were targeted, mislead, and taken advantage of. The social narrative of the Soviet Union was written under the guidelines of Stalinism, not of the people. In an attempt to outline Soviet history, Stalinism and all of its downfalls must be included in the story and must not fall to the back burner to a few accomplishments. While the argument is present that this trailblazing was necessary to prepare for what is ahead, this claim completely discredits the current conditions. People are not stagnant; people are able to adapt. By abruptly and harshly changing a social climate in such a forceful way, citizens were not given the fair advantage of making their own choices and constructing the Soviet Union they wanted. With time and proper planning, the working class may have excelled with the new policies. Instead, Stalin uses this argument to discredit all of the tragedies associated with his political reign. Ultimately, we hope to highlight the lack of a government officials’ part in advancing a nation for the people instead of on the basis of Stalinism.