Stalin's Political Maneuvers and the Kirov Affair

What position did Stalin give to Sergei Kirov, which later contributed to Stalin's paranoia?

• Moscow Party Leader

• Leningrad Party Boss

• Minister of Defense

• Head of the Secret Police

What was the initial public reaction to Sergei Kirov's murder?

• It was largely ignored by the public.

• It was celebrated as a victory for the revolution.

• It was seen as an outrage and a mystery.

• It was blamed on foreign spies.

What strategy did Stalin use to eliminate his old rivals after Kirov's murder?

• He accused them of conspiring to murder Kirov.

• He promoted them to higher positions.

• He sent them on diplomatic missions abroad.

• He offered them amnesty in exchange for loyalty.

What was the purpose of the show trials orchestrated by Stalin?

• To publicly exonerate the accused party members.

• To demonstrate the strength of the Soviet legal system.

• To gain international support for the Soviet Union.

• To eliminate Stalin's rivals by forcing confessions.

How did the foreign press react to the show trials?

• They were critical of the Soviet legal system.

• They demanded the release of the accused.

• They were unaware of the trials.

• They expressed pleasure at the confessions.