The rise of Stalin, 1924-29

Question 1

1922

Answer 1

Stalin becomes general secretary of the Communist Party

Question 2

1924

Answer 2

January - Lenin dies

Question 3

1929

Answer 3

January - Trotski deported to Constantinople
April - Bukharin removed as editor of Pravda
November - Bukharin removed from Politburo

Question 4

Overview

Answer 4

Lenin’s death - policy differences existing before 1922 came to the fore.
Trotsky, Zinoviev, Kamenev - most important communists after Lenin.
Lenin worried by these developments before death & wrote Testament outlining strengths/weaknesses of main leaders.
Jan. 1923-wrote Postscript recommending Stalin’s dismissal.
Trotsky’s main rivals - Z. & K. formed alliance w. Stalin (triumvirate) to prevent Trotsky replacing Lenin.
Using position as general secretary, S. controlled meetings & elections to congresses & conferences - Trotsky isolated.
Stalin turned on Z. & K. w. Bukharin’s support.
Z. & K. united w. T. but Stalin defeated United Opposition.
1928 - Stalin turns on Bukharin.
Trotsky then exiled from USSR leaving Stalin sole ruler.

Question 5

Why did Stalin emerge as leader?

Answer 5

• Result of deliberate manipulation of differences among Bolshevik leaders.
• Errors & weaknesses of his rivals - B. too focused on NEP, K. too weak willed, Z. too careerist, T. too isolated.
• Stalin’s crucial position - general secretary of Communist Party - appointment of officials.
• Politically mature working class was lost by death in civil war or by appointment to gov. bureaucracy, which removed them from working class community creating vacuum in communist support often filled by ex-peasants w. no understanding of Marxism or Bolshevism.