How Did Joseph Stalin Gain Power

Stalin’s ideology and policies contributed towards his consolidation of power, he was effective in exploiting circumstances to defeat opposition and therefore put forward his ideas and policies for future Russia. Historian E. H. Carr argues that Stalin admitted “for a complete victory of socialism in one country, for a complete guarantee against a restoration of the old order of things, the combined efforts of the proletariat of several countries are indispensable” . This view backs the idea that Stalin used the proletariat as a tool for an increased power base to back his ideology of ‘Socialism in one Country’. Arguably, Stalin advocated the right policies at the right time, appealing to the majority of the party. This suggests that his policies

But he had no talent for leadership among equals”. This view has credit to argue that Trotsky lacked the essential qualities of a strong leader, he lacked the ability and inclination for political intrigue and did not work to build his power bases or alliances. Trotsky’s weakness created the opportunity for Stalin to exploit arguments and attacks to gain power. Essentially Trotsky was the most likely candidate to adopt the role as Lenin’s successor, with intellectual brilliance and the capability to attain military dictatorship. However, this aroused resentment amongst the other Politburo members that envied Trotsky and consequently united together to prevent him from becoming leader. Combining his military role with his arrogance and aloofness, Trotsky was feared as a possible candidate to establish dictatorship, however due to his peers undermining his chances for this role gave Stalin the clear path to exert power and gain control. A dominant mistake of Trotsky’s which facilitated Stalin’s rise to power, was his absence at Lenin’s funeral. Immediately after the announcement of the death of Lenin Russia was in mourning and the funeral became a largely significant political event for the party members to attend. Stalin’s attempt to sabotage Trotsky by tricking him into attending the wrong date of the funeral was proved effective as it damaged Trotsky’s reputation and created the image that he was not a dedicated Leninist. This therefore gave Stalin the opportunity to advertise himself to the Russian people, increasing his accumulation of power. Historian Deutscher argues that “The truth is Trotsky refrained from attacking Stalin because he felt secure… it seemed to Trotsky almost a bad joke that Stalin, the willful and sly but shabby and inarticulate man in the background,