Stalin's manipulation of the central organs of the Communist Party was they key reason for his rise to power by 1929. How far do you agree with this statement? Use the sources and your own knowledge to answer the question.

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Paul Tamplin                

        

Stalin’s manipulation of the central organs of the Communist Party was they key reason for his rise to power by 1929. How far do you agree with this statement? Use the sources and your own knowledge to answer the question.

The rise of Stalin to his position of extreme power is a result of a number of factors varying from Stalin’s personal characteristics and political skills to the situation of Russia in the years 1924.29. The argument that Stalin came to power as a result of his control of the central organs is strong. However, it is vital that the other factors are not dismissed as they all play an importance in Stalin’s rise to power.

Source A strongly supports the argument that it was his control of the party that resulted in his rise to power by explaining how Stalin had total control over the party and was able to allows his supporters to move up to the higher levels of the party, in which his main rivals were replaced with.  Stalin’s control and organisation of the Secretariat was a key factor that helped him to gradually replace his opponents with his supporters, therefore allowing him to maximise his support of the whole party. This source explains how it was not only the control of the central organs but also Stalin’s political cunning that was key to his rise in power. Stalin’s

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Source B supports this argument to a certain extent but explores other factors that were vital to his rise in power. This includes Stalin’s policies and in particular “Socialism in one country” which urged for modernisation through industrialisation without the help of those outside. This policy carried undertones of nationalism and patriotism, appealing to the masses despite it clearly going against the Marxist theory. Socialism in one country proved far more popular than “Permanent Revolution” as it gave the Russians historic roles. However, it was not just this one policy that contributed to his popularity. His positions on the NEP ...

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