Study the extract below. In the Politburo, when matters of high policy were under debate, Stalin never seemed to impose his views on his colleagues. He
carefully followed the course of debate to see what way the wind was blowing and then voted with the majority, unless he had
worked out what most people would think beforehand. He was therefore always on the side of the majority. To people in the
Party audiences he appeared as a man without personal grudge... who criticised others only for the sake of the cause.
What impression does the author give about Stalin as a politician? You must use the Extract to explain your answer. (6 marks)