How Did Stalin Succeed Lenin? | History for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Russia by 1924 - Timeline & Summary

• Under Lenin's leadership, the Bolshevik government secured control over the Russian Empire. The year 1922 was pivotal in consolidating Bolshevik power. Following the Russian Civil War, Lenin established a communist dictatorship, refusing to share power and using repression to eliminate his enemies. Consequently, Lenin developed an autocratic and centralized government.
• In December 1922, Lenin spearheaded the creation of the Soviet Union, or the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). This formal union included Russia, Belorussia, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia under communist rule. The USSR's constitution promised human rights for its people, but in reality, these rights were not upheld.
• When Lenin died in 1924 after years of ill health, it left a significant power vacuum in the USSR.

Death of Lenin, 1924

• From mid-1921, Lenin's health deteriorated. He survived an assassination attempt in 1918 when Fanya Kaplan, a member of the SRs, shot him twice outside a Moscow factory. One of the bullets lodged in his head, leading to slow poisoning.
• In May 1922, Lenin suffered a massive stroke, which left him increasingly paralyzed. Another stroke in March 1923 rendered him unable to speak and actively lead the Bolshevik Party.
• Lenin eventually passed away on 21st January 1924. The Bolsheviks embalmed his body, creating a mausoleum in his honor.

Lenin's Testament

• During the period from late 1922 to early 1923, Lenin verbally conveyed his final wishes. This document outlined his aspirations for the future of the Bolshevik Party post his demise, eventually becoming a contentious piece.
• His last will, discussed between late 1922 and early 1923, delineated his vision for the Bolshevik Party after his passing, ultimately stirring controversy.
• The will elucidated Lenin's envisioned direction for the Bolshevik Party following his death, leading to significant debate within the political sphere.
• Controversial: Something that stirs debate, disagreement, or differing opinions among individuals or groups.

What did Lenin Say about Trotsky?

What Does this Mean?

• Lenin viewed Trotsky as a competent party member.
• However, Lenin perceived Trotsky as excessively self-assured and haughty, more engrossed in administrative tasks than in steering the party.

What did Lenin Base his Opinion on?

• Lenin entrusted Trotsky with considerable authority, recognizing his effectiveness during pivotal events like the October Revolution and the Russian Civil War.
• Trotsky's skills as an orator and writer elevated his status within the Bolshevik Party.
• However, his perceived arrogance alienated some party members, who viewed him as overly confident or self-important.
• Trotsky himself held a belief in his superior intelligence and dedication to communism compared to others in the party.
• Despite not practicing Judaism, Trotsky's Jewish background became a point of contention within the party and contributed to opposition against him.

What did Lenin Say about Stalin?

What Does this Mean?

• Lenin expressed distrust in Stalin's ability to wield power effectively.
• Stalin's demeanor was often perceived as rude, disloyal, impolite, and argumentative by his colleagues.

What did Lenin Base his Opinion on?

• Stalin rapidly ascended within the ranks of the Bolshevik Party.
• His involvement in the October Revolution was minimal.
• Lenin appointed Stalin as Commissar for Nationalities in November 1917.
• Stalin garnered recognition during the Russian Civil War, serving as a Political Commissar to several generals.
• In 1921, Stalin assumed the position of General Secretary of the Bolshevik Party.
• Lenin grew wary of Stalin, perceiving him as cruel and lacking in education.
• Stalin's Georgian background, which Lenin deemed inferior, exacerbated his concerns.
• Stalin's temperament, characterized by bouts of anger, became a significant concern.
• Lenin was particularly disturbed when Stalin yelled at his wife over the phone in March 1923, viewing it as a grave transgression.
• However, Lenin's health issues left him unable to remove Stalin from his position as General Secretary.

Contenders by 1924

• Following the passing of Lenin, the Bolshevik party experienced a split between the left and right factions.

• The Main Contenders for Lenin's Position:

• Lenin chose not to designate a successor, leading to a power struggle between the left and right factions of the Bolshevik Party.
• This power struggle would determine the next leader of the Soviet Union.

How Stalin Emerged as the Leader?

• Stalin strategically navigated political maneuvers to ascend as the leader of the USSR.