Stalin succeeded as the leader to Lenin and not Trotsky for many reasons. He was very close to Lenin

Authors Avatar

Tim Hall        Mr Lehec        11wt

Russia 1905-1941 Essay: No. 2

a) Trotsky succeeded in supporting the Bolsheviks because of the way he controlled the people. He joined the Bolshevik party in 1917 because he disapproved of the Mensheviks and the Provisional Government. In the Russian congress of Soviets in June 1917 the Bolsheviks had less than half the members of the SR’s and Mensheviks. By October 1917 the Bolsheviks had around 300,000 members who was a massive amount compared to February 1917 where they only had around 23,500. Trotsky was a key figure in organising the October revolution and after it Trotsky and the Bolsheviks Petrograd. Soon strikes broke out in Moscow and the Bolsheviks took advantage of this and gained more power. Trotsky now had a foothold over the Bolsheviks and he now had more numbers to use more effectively. Lenin disbanded the Old Russian army and created the new Communist army and appointed Trotsky its leader, as Commissar of War. Trotsky assembled this army quickly to fight the Whites. He realised he would need experienced officers to lead his massive army but he didn’t have any so he thought up the idea of using officers from the Tsars old army instead. This plan worked although he was criticized for it a lot. Because of the volunteer armies losses during the civil war with the Whites, Trotsky introduced conscription and built up a model army. Lenin was impressed by his efforts and in 1919 remarked to Maxim Gorky: "Show me another man who could have practically created a model army in a year and won respect of the military specialist as well."

Join now!

Trotsky then led his 5 million man army to victory so it was him who ensured the survival of the Bolshevik party.

2) Stalin succeeded as the leader to Lenin and not Trotsky for many reasons. He was very close to Lenin and had always been a loyal supporter of him. This meant that he seemed very loyal to the communist cause and could be trusted. Lenin appointed him General Secretary. Many of Stalin’s future opposition including Trotsky underestimated the importance of this position. When Lenin fell ill just before he died Stalin made full use of his ...

This is a preview of the whole essay