Stalin vs Trotsky

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The Leadership Contest: Trotsky vs. Stalin

Question 1

Explain Trotsky's contribution to the success of the Bolsheviks up to 1922

Trotsky contributed a lot to the Bolsheviks success between 1917 and 1922. He played an important role in the November Revolution, by convincing Lenin to postpone his idea to storm the Ipativ house for a few weeks, to gain more power with the Red Army. The Red army were also transformed under his control, from the messy disorganised bunch of half trained soldiers they were, to the well oiled fighting machine they became, and ultimately helped the Bolsheviks to win the Civil War with the Whites.

Firstly his suggestion and persuasion to Lenin to hold off for a few weeks, helped the Red's gain support as it made the provisional government unpopular. His careful organisation of the Revolution made sure it ran smoothly and no hitches came up during it.

Secondly his famous leadership of the Red Army, tuned them from the disorganised bunch of half trained soldiers, to the well oiled fighting machine they became famous for. He had a seemingly 'magical' train which travled the length of Russia, which provide the Red Army with a place to sleep, train, and eat. He kept up the morale of the soldiers, which attributed their success in the civil war in 1921.

He was a magnetic appeal to his personality, and was a enthralling public speaker. His enthusiasm made him inspiring to listen to, and a lot of Bolsheviks attributed their joining the communists, due to him.

He used his knowledge of propaganda, and made a huge advertising campaign for the Bolsheviks, to attract new members.

He was extremely intelligent, and always seemed to be one step ahead of his opponents. He was also famously paranoid, and this ensured that no one leaked important information.

Explain why it was Stalin and not Trotsky who became Lenin's successor.

When Lenin dies in 1924, it was unclear, to the remaining Bolsheviks, who would assume control. There was originally four contenders, Stalin, Trotsky, Kamenev and Zinoviev. Eventually it came down to the main two, Stalin and Trotsky.
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Trotsky appeared to be the favourite on the surface. Lenin had named him the most capable man for the job and he was the reason they had been so successful in the November revolution, by persuading Lenin to wait a few weeks. His organisation of the Red Army was the main contributor to their success in the civil war between the Reds and the Whites. He was a forward thinking individual, but also knew how to manipulate people, in order to get what he needed. This was due to his unique talent of judging people, within a matter ...

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