Ryutin Affair

The Ryutin Affair was a serious indication of the extent of the opposition to aspects of Stalin's policies. In 1932, Martemyan Ryutin (????? ????????? ???????), a rightist who rose to prominence in the early 30s, wrote a document calling to end the forced collectivisation and the rehabilitation of the defeated Oppositionists, among them Trotsky, and the dismissal of Stalin. Ryutin's document also accused Stalin of destroying the communist revolution and was signed by several prominent communists. In September Ryutin, former leader-contestants Zinoviev, Kamenev and fourteen others were put on a show trial (see First Moscow Trial) and subsequently expelled from the Central Committee. Stalin wanted Ryutin executed, but this was refused by the Politburo, hence illuminating that Stalin did not yet have total control. This incident was a step towards the Great Purge which secured Stalin's power.

Related Topics:
Stalin - 1932 - Martemyan Ryutin - Collectivisation - Trotsky - Communist revolution - Zinoviev - Kamenev - Show trial - First Moscow Trial - Central Committee - Politburo - Great Purge

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