why did stalin emerge as the leader of the soviet union after the death of lenin? - page 1
Keywords: Lenin, Stalin, Russia, Trotsky, Soviet Union
By ROYDS on 26/09/2008
Level: GCSE Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
Page Number: 1 of 5 pages: 1 2 3 4 5
Why did Stalin emerge as the leader of the Soviet Union after the death of Lenin?
Centre Number: 25176 Candidate Number: 4296
Uppingham School
Tom Royds
Lenin suffered numerous strokes in years of 1922 and 1923, which left him very weak leading up to his death in 1924. Lenin was the keystone in bolshevism and the October revolutions and was infamous for his intelligence, described as a remarkable man by historians. Lenin died on January the 21st 1924, unable to see his plans for Russia the Soviet Union and communism, and his Successor Stalin didn’t become leader of the Soviet Union until 1928. This shows us that Stalin, though he was leader, wasn’t an out right clear cut successor for if he had been why didn’t he come to power sooner. There was huge controversy and argument as to whom was capable of the task of saving Russia and re-establishing and industrialising her. So if there was a four-year gap, it is evident that there was a power struggle, for it was imperative that the Leader of the Soviet Union was competent and a leader.
More evidence to support my statement that Stalin wasn’t the obvious choice from the beginning was that in Lenin’s testament (a dictated letter to the congress) before he died he denounced Stalin as his favourite choice as leader. He said that Stalin had, “Unlimited authority in his hands” but doubted whether or not Stalin was, “capable of using that authority with sufficient caution.” Lenin went on to say that Trotsky was, “distinguished not only by his outstanding ability.” But is also, “the most capable man.” He even described the secretary General (Stalin appointed in 1922 3rd April) as “too rude” and went as far as to say that he should be removed from that post. These two were the main contenders and during this period the two began to abhor each other with the healthy competition. However these two were not the soul contenders to Lenin’s succession, others were Zinoviev, Burkharin, Tomsky, Rykov and Kamenev whom Lenin didn’t dislike but just thought that they lacked the imperative attributes one must have to be a great leader. Interestingly the statement should have been read to the XIIth Party Congress on 1923 but Lenin’s statement that he made before he died was never officially published to the congress until late May in 1924. Those behind this action were Stalin, Kamenev and Zinoviev.
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