Stalin: An Insider’s Account: Part 2 (of 3)
While readers will probably find it astonishing that most people didn't eventually take steps to guard against Stalin's dishonesty, his ability to fool people was yet another example of his extraordinary persona. "Both Stalin's temper," Khrushchev states, "and his self-control were developed to an advanced degree. He was, in short, an overpowering personality." Milovan Djilas adds that it was "truly difficult to ascertain how much of Stalin's action was play-acting and how much was real...I personally believe that with Stalin it is impossible to separate the one from the other. With him, pretense was so spontaneous that it seemed he himself became convinced of the truth and sincerity of what he was saying. He very easily adapted himself to every turn in the discussion of any new topic, and even to every new personality."
By using all these psychological devices, Stalin was able to gain a superior insight into his rivals and plan his rise to power accordingly. However, while his bloodthirstiness has already been highlighted, it is also important to appreciate that it was not through fear alone that he won people's support. As Khrushchev explained, "he didn't simply come with a sword and conquer our minds and bodies. No, he demonstrated his superior skill in subordinating and manipulating people- an important quality necessary in a great leader." Similarly, Raskolnikov perceived that Stalin's "fundamental psychological trait" was "his unusual superhuman strength of will" which could "suffocate" and "crush...even such willful people as Kaganovich."
Gleaning the plans of his rivals and simultaneously concealing his own megalomaniacal intentions so expertly, Stalin began a gradual accumulation of power after Lenin's death in 1924. Using the Kirov murder of 1934 as a pretext, he then made a successful bid for absolute power over the next few years, killing many of his rivals and critics in the Party. While it is impossible to put an exact timeframe on something so intangible, it would be reasonable to say that by 1938 his power was unquestioned and total.
Unlike during Lenin's time when debate was tolerated, no one now dared to challenge the God Stalin. From now until his death in 1953, the Party was subject to what Khrushchev referred to as "Stalin's arbitrary rule and the absolute absence of any restraints on his authority," while Molotov later admitted that it was unthinkable to even question Stalin- "If anybody did, it was watch it- you could get knocked off!" "When Stalin proposed something," Khrushchev said, "there were no questions, no comments. A 'proposal' from Stalin was a God-given command, and you don't haggle about what God tells you to do- you just offer thanks and obey."
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