Grigory Zinoviev

Who was Zinoviev?

Grigory Zinoviev was from a Jewish farming family. He was a member of the Social Democratic Party and became a member of the Bolshevik Party when it was created. He spent time in exile with Lenin before returning to Russia in February 1917.

When did Zinoviev join the Communist Party?

Zinoviev joined the Social Democratic Party in 1901 and became a member of the Bolshevik Party when it was created in 1903.

What was Lenin's relationship with Zinoviev?

Zinoviev was a close friend of Lenin's, but had opposed Lenin's plan for a revolution in October 1917.

What were Zinoviev's political beliefs?

Zinoviev was on the left of the Communist Party. He believed in permanent or world-wide revolution and was against the New Economic Policy, NEP.

What did Lenin say about Zinoviev in his 'Testament'?

Lenin criticised Zinoviev for not supporting him in the October Revolution of 1917 in his 'Testament'.

What roles did Zinoviev have in the Communist Party?

Zinoviev held 3 key positions of responsibility:

• ❖ In February 1917, Zinoviev was elected chairman of the Council of Commissars of the Petrograd Workers' Commune.
• ❖ In March 1919, he was elected the chairman of the Comintern.
• ❖ From 1921 to 1926, Zinoviev was a full member of the Politburo.

What happened to Zinoviev during the leadership struggle with Stalin?

In 1925, Stalin allied with Kamenev and Zinoviev to defeat Trotsky. Between 1927 and 1929 Stalin turned against Zinoviev and allied with Bukharin.

What happened to Zinoviev in the Great Purges?

Stalin viewed Zinoviev as a threat so he was targeted in the Great Purges of 1936 to 1938:

• ❖ He was arrested and put on trial during the Trial of the Sixteen in 1936 with Kamenev.
• ❖ He was accused of the murder of Kirov, plotting to overthrow the government and sabotaging the Five Year Plans.
• ❖ Zinoviev confessed to the crimes of which he was accused to save the lives of his family. He was executed by being shot.

When did Zinoviev die?

Zinoviev was executed after his show trial on 25th August, 1936. He was shot.