Sergei Kirov

Who was Kirov?

Sergei Kirov joined the Communist Party in 1904 and participated in the 1905 Revolution, the October 1917 Revolution and the Civil War. He became a leading member of the Communist Party and the government of the Soviet Union in the 1930s.

What roles did Kirov have in the Communist Party?

Kirov held 3 key positions of responsibility in the Communist Party and the government of the USSR:

• ❖ In 1921, he was appointed as head of the Azerbaijan Communist Party.
• ❖ In 1926, Kirov was appointed as head of the Leningrad Communist Party.
• ❖ Kirov was a member of the Politburo from July 1930 to his death in 1934.

Why did Kirov's relationship with Stalin deteriorate?

Kirov's relationship with Stalin deteriorated for 5 main reasons:

• ❖ Kirov was popular and charismatic so Stalin saw him as an opponent.
• ❖ In 1932, Kirov voted with others in the Politburo against the execution of Ryutin. Ryutin had criticised Stalin's policies of industrialisation and collectivisation in a 200 page article .
• ❖ During the 17th Party Congress, Kirov was given a standing ovation that was longer than the applause for Stalin.
• ❖ During the 17th Party Congress, Kirov made critical comments about the effects of industrialisation and collectivisation.
• ❖ He received more votes than Stalin for a position on the Central Committee.

When was Kirov murdered?

Kirov was assassinated by being shot in the back of the neck on 1st December, 1934 by Leonid Nikolayev.

Why was Kirov's murder significant?

Kirov was significant due to 3 key reasons:

• ❖ He challenged Stalin's position of power as shown by events during the 17th Party Congress.
• ❖ Stalin realised that he was not completely secure in his position as leader.
• ❖ It is likely that Stalin organised the assassination of Kirov as an excuse to begin the purges.