Then there is the most important factor in the power struggle, Stalin’s strengths. The other two factors merely added as a catalyst to the succession of Stalin. Stalin played on Lenin’s popularity and created a personality cult, erecting statues sanctioning paintings and basically praising Lenin as much as possible thus giving himself the prestige, a move which made people think that Stalin was the natural successor of Lenin. Tactically Stalin was an expert in playing politburo members against each other, appointing his loyal supporters to higher positions and outmanoeuvring members whom he lacks support.
Stalin was seen as the ‘grey blur’ by many people, he rarely spoke in public and when he did, he had little presence or personality however, this mattered little when compared how politically inexperienced Trotsky was. Once Stalin had ousted his opponents the less important party members found Stalin a very useful ally as he had such a tactically sound position as general secretary.
Stalin was however lucky that Lenin’s testament was not officially released as Lenin was somewhat scathing in his attack on Stalin describing him as dangerous and promoting Trotsky as the next leader nevertheless his wish was never acted upon and not many people other then Lenin saw Stalin as a threat of even as a candidate.
Trotsky did not have a power base, a vital factor for support and loyalty in the politburo. Trotsky was not seen as a loyal member of the Bolshevik party as he only joined in August 1917 while Stalin was a loyal member with a working-class background.
Stalin was adept at promoting policies, which he new would win him support, policies such as Stalin’s stance on the New Economic Policy and his decision to encourage a policy of rapid industrialisation, a policy greatly needed by Russia, which was lagging far behind the other industrialized super powers. These policies and concepts won Stalin support both inside and outside the Politburo and the Bolshevik party.
At the end of the day, Stalin was more than capable at taking part in political activity and dealing with the bureaucracy of party membership. Trotsky belonged on the battlefield as a commander a position that gained him respect and admiration however, he was in adept to deal with and take part in politics, like the other members he had underestimated Stalin until it was too late and Stalin had already built up a loyal power base.
To some extent Trotsky brought about his own failures by underestimating Stalin, failing to build a power base and not really getting involved in politics. Trotsky also fell victim to the wildcard factor falling ill during the power struggle. It was however, Stalin’s strengths and his political adeptness, which ultimately secured his position as leader of the USSR. Trotsky’s weaknesses only acted as a catalyst to the succession of Stalin, a man described by Trotsky as a “grey blur”.
