How Did Stalin Manage to Assume control over Russia in the Five years following the Death of Lenin in 1924?

   Stalin knew that for him to have the best chance of becoming leader of the Communist Party, he would have to eliminate all obstacles that would get in his way; and the biggest of these problems was Trotsky. Trotsky was arrogant, and did not have time for people he considered stupid and he had no doubt that he would become leader. Stalin tricked Trotsky into not attending Lenin’s funeral,  and consequently his Party loyalty was questioned and supporters’ opinions of him dropped considerably. Stalin used this to gain public support, by greatly praising and giving respect to the late Lenin, and claiming he was Lenin’s disciple.

      To help defeat Trotsky, Stalin made alliances with Zinoviev and Kamenev, who disliked Trotsky and although they shared his Left Wing views, they managed to get him expelled from his post in the Party. However, two years later he turned on Zinoviev and Kamenev and joined forces with Bukharin, who belonged to the right wing of the Party. Because of lack of votes Zinoviev and Kamenev lost their jobs and soon after were expelled from the Communist Party along with Stalin’s greatest problem, Trotsky.

   Lastly, Stalin removed Bukharin from a position of power, by attacking the NEP, which right wing supporters believed was the only way forward along with the Five Year Plan. Stalin was now leader of the Communist Party and The USSR.

    Although Stalin was thought to be a dull and boring character by other members of the Party, he was also incredibly ambitious, manipulative and politically cunning. Because Stalin was in the middle of the Party he managed to manipulate the right and left wing against each other. He had been a loyal member of the Party for over twenty years and did not hold dangerous or radical views.

  Unlike Stalin, Trotsky did not build up support and many doubted his loyalty to the Party. Despite being a good speaker, Trotsky was ideological, arrogant and acquired many enemies.

   Though there were many factors that contributed to Stalin becoming leader of the USSR, including his shrewd and ruthless personality and his cunning political tactics, I believe his position of General Secretary in the Party was the main factor that lead to Lenin becoming leader of The USSR.

This seemingly unimportant post, gave Stalin a vast amount of control over the Party, and making it possible to take complete control.