How Did Lenin Gain Power

Following the death of Lenin, the Bolshevik Party become complicated by personality clashes and a power struggle between senior party members. The ambiguity of Lenin’s will paved the way for the apparent heir to seize power, sparking conflict between Trotsky and Stalin. The ensuing struggle for power triggered fierce disputes over the economy and the question of succession was reflected in battles between the dominant right and left wing. Despite Trotsky’s standpoint as unofficial deputy to Lenin, Stalin was able to seize the role through his notion of socialism in one country which portrayed facets of both patriotism an rejuvenation, and was a core factor in his increased popularity amongst the Soviets. Stalin’s ability to manipulate and
Lenin’s death in 1924, lead to the collective leadership of Russia by the politburo. During Lenin’s rule, he was heavily critical of all his party members including Trotsky who many considered to be the “unofficial deputy”. Lenin’s vilification of the party members ensured however that there were no clear successors, and the period after his death was to be characterised by a power struggle between the heirs. The joint party leadership in the 13th ensemble was implemented to ensure that the any individualistic interests of party members was abolished, and instead Russia was lead by a collective ruling group. Lenin had initially valued Stalin’s practical nature, but later supported Trotsky, believing that Stalin would be incapable of holding onto power. However Trotsky’s excessive self-assurance and absorption in administration meant that he was not a man of the people consequently weakened his supremacy. At the time of Lenin’s death, Trotsky held the position of commissar for War, and was internationally
In 1922, Stalin was elected as the Central Committee General Secretary, which instigated his power. Trotsky considered this position as mundane holding little political authority, however Stalin was able to fully exploit the position to exert enormous influence over the party membership. He become the only member to simultaneously held positions in the politburo, the Orgburo and the secretariat. He was able to elect members that would support his ruled help elevate him to the head of the party. Stalin appointed many young and inexperience members to the party, allowing him to easily manipulate as well as having a greater appreciation to Stalin for his employment of them. Thus people felt an obligation towards helping him extend his power. Trotsky however did not exploit his potion as commissar for the red army emphasising how Stalin’s cunning and opportunism helped him to gain power within the party. After establishing a support network Stalin began to abolish his rivals and any source of threat. Stalin’s troika were able to successfully defeat Trotsky at the 13th party congress when Trotsky raised objections to the growing centralisation and bureaucratisation of the party. Stalin soon formed an alliance with the right wing of the party, including Bukharin, and Rykov. The Right began to gradually be opposed by the Party’s