Was the most important reason for Stalin's accession to power in the USSR by 1929 his skilful use of the 'Lenin Legacy'?

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Michael Lee             12/08/07

         ‘The most important reason for Stalin’s accession to power in the USSR by 1929 was his skilful use of the ‘Lenin Legacy’’. Explain why you agree or disagree with statement.

    It will be argued that Stalin’s use of the ‘Lenin Legacy’ was the main reason for his rise to power. The Lenin legacy was his achievements, such as the NEP and the treaty of Brest-Litovsk, and Stalin tried to explain to everybody that he intended to carry it on. His use of the Legacy did help him succeed to a certain extent.

    At Lenin’s funeral, Stalin used the opportunity to set himself up as Lenin’s disciple. He vowed that he would carry on his work. This led to popularity for Stalin, as Lenin was adored greatly by his people, and they wanted somebody as great as Lenin to be their leader.

    Stalin’s policy of “socialism in one country” was his belief that the USSR had to build a strong socialist state without the help of other countries. This was popular with the right wing of the party and it fitted in with their route to socialism – the NEP. It also gained the support of the peasants, as the NEP allowed them to sell surplus goods and make more money. Trotsky lost support on this matter, as he believed that a permanent revolution had to take place, where a world communist uprising would occur. This policy was less popular with the communist party. Stalin believed that “socialism in one country” would unite the party, which was another continuation of the Lenin Legacy; Lenin believed that party unity was imperative.

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    There were, however, many other reasons for Stalin becoming leader of the USSR, perhaps more important than his adaptation of the Lenin Legacy.

    Stalin had a much stronger power base than his opponents. His position as party secretary allowed him to control what was discussed at party meetings and even what information was and wasn’t received by the members.

  His position in the Orgburo and the Secretariat gave him the control of party membership. He was able to place his supporters in important positions, and this allowed him to ...

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