Stalin's Securement of Power in Russia by 1929

Stalin's Securement of Power in Russia by 1929

Following Lenin's death in 1924, there was a feeling of confusion as

to who would lead Russia. Lenin gave no indication as to who should

lead after his death. Instead, a triumvirate, or collective

leadership, emerged between Stalin, Kamenev and Zinoviev. During

Lenin's illness and directly afterwards, the collective leadership was

viewed as a practical arrangement and no single leader was sought, nor

was there a layout for the election of a new leader. Using this as a

foundation to gain power within the Communist Party and the

government, Stalin commenced his scheme to gain power over Russia.

One of the most significant factors was Stalin's position and role

within the Communist Party. His role as General Secretary was

extremely advantageous to him. It gave him an insight into all areas

of the Party giving him access to thousands of personal files about

Communist Party members. He was in a position to delegate key posts to

his supporters to gain allies through his exploits of power. This gave

him an edge over his opponents and stressed his potential. Even Lenin

was aware of Stalin's potential. In his last testament, Lenin said of

Stalin: "Comrade Stalin, having become General Secretary, has

concentrated enormous power in his hands: and I am not sure that he

always knows how to use that power with sufficient caution." This

gives an important insight into Stalin's capacity and will to become

leader of the Soviet Union.

This example of Stalin's strategy and determination was further

reinforced by Lenin's funeral. This is because he convinced Trotsky,

who was in another part of Russia...

... middle of paper ...

...- S. Phillips- Lenin and the Russian Revolution

- A. Wood- Stalin and Stalinism

- H. Shukman- Stalin: Triumph and Tragedy

- O. Figes- People's Tragedy: Russian Revolution, 1891-1924

- R. Conquest- Stalin: Breaker of nations

- I. Deutcher- Stalin: A political biography (2nd edition, 1972)

- E.H. Carr - The Russian Revolution from Lenin to Stalin

- C. Ward-Stalin's Russia

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[1] www.spartacus.schoolsnet.co.uk

[2] J. Laver- Russia and the USSR: 1905-56

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[ik1]again - this is too strong - by suggesting it was now time to end

it, Stalin accused Trotsky of going against Lenin

[ik2]good explanation of How Stalin used this debate - can you shorten

it any?