This statement is extremely accurate in relation to Leon Trotsky. Trotsky, as recognized by Lenin in his last will and testament, was the most talented man in the committee to take the highest office, and yet in hindsight historians ‘cannot conceive how he would be in a position to do so’ (Pipes) . Despite Trotsky possessing talent and ability to lead as demonstrated in his career as Commissar of War where he won the Order of the Red Flag , his political position limited his influence in the power struggle between himself and Stalin. Moreover, Trotsky lacked the public image Stalin had, ‘he lost to the man with a superior understanding of Soviet public life”(Service) . Thus, it is these factors of an individual’s political role and public image that take priority over deciding party leadership rather then ability of talent as a politician. Trotsky’s career as Commissar of War illustrated his capabilities to lead, command and organize a body of individuals, it is undeniable he had the makings to be an exemplar leader. His militarization of grain requisitioning, use of blocking units in battle tactics, establishment of field tribunals to counter the massive desertion problem that had powers to enact the death sentence, his dismissal of the Kronstadt sailor manifesto as “petty bourgeois demands”(Trotsky) and their later massacre by sixty thousand of his own troops as well as his defense of Petrograd in 1918 all illustrate his ability to be a ruthless and successful leader in Russian, and someone fit to succeed Lenin. However, Trotsky lost the power struggle because Stalin was the only member who had influence in all three sectors of governance; Poliburo, Orgburo and Secretariat as General Secretary, a decision put forward by Lenin... ... middle of paper ... ...tural target to Bolsheviks eyeing Lenin’s position, and thus his political demise cannot be his fault alone, rather ambition of other Bolsheviks driven by ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’ plays a significant role. Trotsky demonstrated talent and ability in his political career, however this alone was insufficient when it came to deciding Lenin’s successor. Political role, public image, the ability to manipulate legislation and one’s own political persuasion to suit circumstance are major factors that come into play with the power struggle. Trotsky’s steadfast beliefs in ‘permanent revolution’ despite its discretization and his lack of alliances till it was too late prevent him from being in a position to seize leadership. Ultimately, Trotsky ability and talents were irrelevant in deciding who succeeded Lenin, and took his place as possessing the highest office in the land.
One of the most well known countries in the world is Russia. Since the Paleolithic Period, Russia has faced misfortune and difficulties through its brutal leaders. Every change that has made this country more inclusive has been won with toil, tears, and blood. The year of 1879 was the beginning of another "great new chapter" (Flachmann p. 357) in Russia's history. It was the year two patrons of world domination were born. These patrons were Joseph Stalin, born Dzhugashvili, and Leon Trotsky, born Bronstein. They would soon become two of Russia's most important leaders who altered the world in many ways. Stalin and Trotsky were the same age, and both had once been members of the Russian Social Democratic Party. These two dedicated Communists shared similar viewpoints such as their commitment to the "unity of theory and practice" (McClellan p. 62) and both prospered on spreading Communism throughout the world. However, each had a unique childhood that gave them both special qualities, which influenced them to live different lives. The tension between Trotsky and Stalin worsened into a life-and-death fight as Lenin got sick and died. Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky were two committed communists who represented the strength of the Soviet Union during the early 20th Century.
Lenin's Death as the Beginning of a Period of Struggle for Leadership between the Leading Bolsheviks Lenin’s death marked the beginning of a period of struggle for
Ultimately it was his failure here that prevented him having any long-term significance, despite his huge short-term significance. ‘He had too many characteristics that made it extraordinarily hard to collectively work with him. But he was an industrious worker and a talented person, and for Lenin, that was the main thing’. Trotsky, despite his nuances and arrogance, was hugely significant in the short term through his brilliant tactics throughout the October Revolution where the Bolsheviks took control of Russia. Furthermore, his coordination of the Red Army was definitive in Bolshevik victory in the civil war, removal of opposition in the terror, and he played an under appreciated role in reclaiming of occupied Russian lands following the world war.
The outbreak of revolution in Russia lured Trotsky back into action, but he was soon arrested. While in jail, Trotsky joined the Bolsheviks (“Leon Trotsky”). After his release, Trotsky allied with Vladimir Lenin as he gained control of the Russian government. Trotsky was made commissar of war and was charged with the formation of the Red Army to defend communism (“Leon Trotsky”). Although the Red Army proved successful in its endeavor, its Red Terror campaign caused “thousands of people, many of whom were only suspected of being anti-communist, [to be] slaughtered in unthinkably cruel ways” (Asnes, Tania. Kissel, Adam ed). Soon after, Lenin's death left Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky to battle to be Russia's leader. Although Trotsky had the skills and the intellect that should have made him the clear choice, jealousy among his colleagues prompted them to side with Stalin (“Leon Trotsky”). Soon after Stalin gained power, he exiled Trotsky. His role in Russian history had come to an abrupt
When most people hear the name Joseph Stalin, they usually associate the name with a man who was part of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and was responsible for the deaths of millions of people. He was willingly to do anything to improve the power of the Soviet Union’s economy and military, even if it meant executing tens of millions of innocent people (Frankforter, A. Daniel., and W. M. Spellman 655). In chapter three of Sheila Fitzpatrick’s book, Everyday Stalinism, she argues that since citizens believed the propaganda of “a radiant future” (67), they were able to be manipulated by the Party in the transformation of the Soviet Union. This allowed the Soviet government to expand its power, which ultimately was very disastrous for the people.
After Lenin died in 1924, he was followed by Joseph Stalin, one of the most heartless humans to ever hold power. Stalin had to trick his rival Leon Trotsky, into missing Lenin’s funeral; resulting in his support from the people of Ukraine to be Lenin’s successor. Stalin’s trick on Trotsky led the people to belie...
The accumulation of these factors centred on Lenin's leadership helped stamp Bolshevik power across the Soviet Union. Lenin’s pragmatic leadership was the most considerable factor in helping to fortify Bolshevik power. His willingness to take power in October/November 1917 and the successes of the move, through his right-hand man, Trotsky, was critical as it helped give him unquestioned authority within the party despite members of the Central Committee i.e. Zinoviev and Kamenev suggested industrialisation needed to occur first. This highlighted Lenin’s communist ideology, which was essential to the Bolsheviks maintaining power. Following the failure of the Provisional Government, Lenin recognised that it was the Bolshevik’s priority to legitimise their government.
Vladimir IIyich Lenin was one of the biggest influences on Stalin and the way he would come to rule the Soviet Union. “In 1922, with Lenin’s strong support, Joseph Stalin was appointed to a newly created post: general secretary (Kort 152).” After Stalin took this position he began appointing loyal allies to key government positions. There was a series of purges from within the party to eliminate careerists who were there for personal advancement. This would end up playing a major role for every regime afterwards but Stalin took it to a new level by killing off anyone who he felt could beat him. Lenin then denounced him saying that he had too much power but it was too late because he died and Stalin started eliminating his competition to become the leader. “Stalin was the only Bolshevik sitting on the Central Committee, the Politburo, the Orgburo, and the Secretariat, the party’s four main power centers (Kort 152).” Lenin gave him too much power and seemed to finally notice when it eventually became too late. Trotsky and Stalin never really seemed to be friends; however, they were both friends of Lenin wh...
Lenin’s death in 1924 left uncertainty about who should become the next leader. Lenin had discussed within his inner circle and mentioned Stalin and Trotsky as possible candidates but stated that Stalin should not succeed him because he was rude. Only Lenin’s inner circle knew about these sentiments. From the beginning Stalin was placed in opposition to Trotsky. After Stalin came to power in 1924 an opposition mounted involving Trotsky, Zinoviev, and Kamenev, this united opposition called for local control and autonomy as well as opening up debate within the party.The opposition had a centrist position in politics that aligned itself with the previous position of Lenin. Bukharin was another of Stalin’s opposition he represented the right and called for a continuation of NEP policy.Stalin opposed his stance by calling for rapid industrialization. In 1926, Zinoviev, Trotsky, and Kamenev were removed from the Politburo because Stalin saw them as a threat. On July 11th, 1928 there was an exchange between Kamenev and Bukharin in this communication they express a need for Stalin to be overthrown because he is manipulating ideology to support his positions.(Suny 2003)...
“Being a leader often requires more than talent and ability” is clearly demonstrated by the life of Leon Trotsky; although his supreme talent and ability allowed him to rise to prominence, the traits he possessed were insufficient alone to carry him into the highest office in the land. Trotsky’s characteristic organizational, oratorical and literary skills were undermined by his lack of understanding of the counter-revolution (led by Stalin) and his inexperience as a political leader. Ultimately, the statement is highly accurate as Trotsky’s talent and ability were eclipsed by the superior machinations and political cunning of Stalin following Lenin’s death.
In 1924, institutional power, not prestige, was the key to political succession. By Lenin's death, Stalin had built a strong political and institutional base within the Soviet state. As general secretary of the party, Stalin held the key to the entire power structure. He could promote and demote party members, reward and punish. The secretariat came to dominate the state bureaucracy or Ogburo. After 1922, Stalin alone served simultaneously on the Central Committee, Politburo, Ogburo, and Communist party secretariat. These four institutions allowed Stalin to coordinate his power and to increase it over time. Rykov was named as Lenin's successor as head of state (chairman of the Council of People's Commissars), but without the general secretary's support, the premiership meant little. The Sovie...
Lenin lead the first communist government in russia . When communist took over the city of petrograd , they decided to take out the provisional government . “Peace, bread and land” and “All power to the soviets” was said by Lenin to the cities workers with sayings such as these 2. In lenin's eyes he claimed that workers will and can not , be governed by themselves. Lenin promised to the Soviets that he would get his soldiers out of war plus he granted land ownership to the peasants and also gave them a opportunity to own shops in Soviet . The actual revolution only lasted two days. Trotsky had planned this and it was perfect execution . Trotsky held a speech in the city of petrograd to distract them while the red guards took over important parts of petrograd. Almost everything possible was captured. Lenin was like a spy during this revolution, he had to find the leaders of the provisional government and arrest them . At this time Alexander Kerensky was the president of the provisional
After the death of Lenin, his chief lieutenant Leon Trotsky and Joseph Stalin fought for control of the country. Stalin was able to win out over Trotsky and gain control of the Russian government. He felt that Lenin and Trotsky’s socialistic ideas were flawed in that they were to wait for other countries to revolt and become socialistic as well. Staling believed that a single country could make socialism .
Inspired by the works of Karl Marx, V.I. Lenin nonetheless drew his ideology from many other great 19th century philosophers. However, Marx’s “Communist Manifesto” was immensely important to the success of Russia under Leninist rule as it started a new era in history. Viewed as taboo in a capitalist society, Karl Marx started a movement that would permanently change the history of the entire world. Also, around this time, the Populist promoted a doctrine of social and economic equality, although weak in its ideology and method, overall. Lenin was also inspired by the anarchists who sought revolution as an ultimate means to the end of old regimes, in the hope of a new, better society. To his core, a revolutionary, V.I. Lenin was driven to evoke the class struggle that would ultimately transform Russia into a Socialist powerhouse. Through following primarily in the footsteps of Karl Marx, Lenin was to a lesser extent inspired by the Populists, the Anarchists, and the Social Democrats.
According to most historians, “history is told by the victors”, which would explain why most people equate communism with Vladimir Lenin. He was the backbone of Russia’s communist revolution, and the first leader of history’s largest communist government. It is not known, or discussed by most, that Lenin made many reforms to the original ideals possessed by many communists during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. He revised Karl Marx and Friedrich Engles’ theories to fit the so-called ‘backwardness’ of the Russian Empire. Lenin’s reforms were necessary to carry out a socialist revolution in Russia, and the contributions he made drastically changed the course of history. It can be assumed that, the Soviet Union would not have been as powerful if it was not for Lenin’s initial advocacy of violence and tight organization.