The weakness of Stalin's opponents was more important than his own tactics in his rise to power

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The weakness of Stalin's opponents was more important than his own tactics in his rise to power

Advantages

  • Weak Opposition was more important
  • The left realised too late that they were not dealing with a 'grey blur'
  • Didn't realise his true aims until it was too late
  • Focused on Trotsky as the enemy- Kamenev and Zinoviev saw him as more of a threat
  • Concered not to create factions
  • Trotsky attracted either admiration or distain, but rarely loyalty
  • Trotsky's lack of power base and distrust- never fully accepted by the party
  • Trotsky was originally a Menshevik
  • May have felt inhibited by his religion
  • The Right's inability to persuade the party of their views-timidand unrealistic
  • Weakened sense of loyalty
  • Siege mentality
  • Poor organisation

Disadvantages

  • Stalin's own action was more significant
  • Exploited the death of Lenin- oration at his funeral
  • Suppression of Lenin's testament
  • Maintained a strong power base and held key positions in the party:
  • -People's Commissar for Nationalities (1917)- in charge of the officials in the many regions and republics in the USSR
  • - Lisaon officer between Politburo and Orgburo (1919)- monitor both party's policy and personnel
  • - Head of the Worker's and Peasant's Inspectorate (1919)- oversaw the work of all government departments
  • - General Secretary of the Communists (1922)- Built up personal files on all members
  • Indespensible link
  • Lenin enrolment- power of patronage
  • Isolated Trotsky, Kamenev and Zinoviev, and Bukharin

Evaluation

Ultimately, Stalin would have been able to manipulate his position in order to weaken that of his opposition. If the party had been asked in 1924 who would take over from Lenin, the majority would not even considered Stalin. This proves his manipulation and tactical thinking is what led him into power.

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