A Thermidorian Amalgam

Abstract

sition in the Soviet Union. The Soviets were shifting from an intense preoccupation with international revolution and the NEP to the construction of socialism in one country. Upon society, the shifts produced a shattering effect, intensified by the struggle for Lenin's succession. This struggle reached its climax in 1927. The tenth anniversary of the October revolution was celebrated with fanfare, but by a disunited regime. By the end of 1927, Trotsky, top Soviet leader, had been evicted from the ruling clique. Enemies faced the Soviets on all sides in the early twenties. Governments and individuals feared the spread of Communism, and thousands of Russian emigres refused to accept Soviet rule. Inside the Soviet Union, revolt was still rampant, and antiCommunist resistance had not yet been crushed. Meanwhile, as far as the outside world was concerned, confusion reigned in Soviet affairs. May, 1927, Great Britain severed diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union. In the USSR, the most striking feature of the situation was the stimulus given by the British government's action to the 'war scare' campaign conducted by those in authority,2 a scare accompanied by a renewal of the Red Terror. A special feature of the