Stalin became sole ruler of the USSR by 1928 because he had been able to use his position as General Secretary at the time of Lenins death.

The first 200 words of this essay...

'Stalin became sole ruler of the USSR by 1928 because he had been able to use his

position as General Secretary at the time of Lenin's death'.

By 1928 Stalin became the sole ruler and he was able to defeat his rivals for a number of reasons.

By becoming General Secretary he had an important power base, he had many supporters in the ranks of the party who owed their positions to him. Stalin could pick and choose who could go in the government.

Stalin took advantage of the Lenin Enrolment to increase his support within the party. He also appeared as chief mourner at Lenin's funeral while tricking Trotsky into missing it. Stalin made a big speech praising Lenin and said he was Lenin's disciple. The leading Communists decided not to publish Lenin's will as it contained criticisms of them as well as of Stalin. Therefore this was a big relief for Stalin as it could have damaged his chances of becoming sole ruler. Although Trotsky did make himself unpopular, his ideas for spreading world revolution alarmed moderate Communists. He was also arrogant and offended many part members.

The other