17.3.6

The Rise of Stalin

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The Rise of Stalin

Lenin was ill in 1922 AD and died in 1924 AD. This led to a power struggle over who would succeed him. It was not certain that Stalin would be the next leader. Other potential leaders included Trotsky, Kamenev, Zinoviev and Bukharin.

Illustrative background for Lenin’s legacyIllustrative background for Lenin’s legacy ?? "content

Lenin’s legacy

  • Lenin led the Bolsheviks (a group of Communists) in a revolution in 1917 AD.
  • Communism is a left-wing ideology which believes that all property should be distributed and shared by a community.
  • After the revolution Russia was thrown into civil war. The Bolsheviks (the Reds) won and formed the Soviet Union.
Illustrative background for Stalin's position at the time of Lenin's deathIllustrative background for Stalin's position at the time of Lenin's death ?? "content

Stalin's position at the time of Lenin's death

  • Stalin was the General Secretary of the Communist Party when Lenin died.
  • Stalin was the calmest and most patriotic of the potential successors. His belief in ‘Socialism in One Country’ was particularly important.
Illustrative background for Stalin's opponentsIllustrative background for Stalin's opponents ?? "content

Stalin's opponents

  • Stalin had several opponents who also wanted to lead the Soviet Union.
  • These included: Trotsky, Kamenev, Zinoviev and Bukharin.
  • There was no clear candidate to succeed Lenin.
Illustrative background for Stalin's rise to powerIllustrative background for Stalin's rise to power ?? "content

Stalin's rise to power

  • Stalin made several political moves to become the leader of the Soviet Union.
  • He sidelined his opponents and made himself look like Lenin’s favourite.
  • He did this by leading Lenin’s funeral.
  • Stalin strengthened his hold over the Communist Party.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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