How far was Lenin responsible for Stalin’s rise to power?
Joseph Stalin, was a simple man from Georgia, who ended u being one of
Russia’s most influential leaders throughout all its history. A man
responsible for changing world events. His rise to power and who was the
one truly responsible for it, however, is a topic that is up for debate. Was
it his own merit , the weaknesses of Trotsky, or can it be attributed to his
predecessor, Lenin ? In fact, to an extend it is a combination of the three,
although, it is without any doubt, that his own capability is what ultimately
secured him his position as ruler of Russia.
His initiative, and dedication to the Bolshevik cause from a young age,
helping raise money for the Bolsheviks, through any means, often even
robberies and being an adamant supporter of Marxism got him noticed
buy Lenin, and he became his left hand man. Lenin often times, referred
to him as “ that wonderful Georgian”, showing his clear affection for
Stalin. This affection that Lenin possessed for him, proved to be very
beneficial for Stalin, as without a doubt, Lenin’s powers of patronage were
great, as the man who was essentially ruling Russia. As the Bolsheviks
controlled the Council of People’s Commissars and the Secretariat, Lenin,
used his power to propel Stalin into positions of power. He was appointed
Commissar of Nationalities, and General Secretary which in turn gave
Stalin powers of patronage, since, as General Secretary, he had access to
details for every party member’s lives and used secrets for manipulation
and coercion. After Lenin’s death, this gave him footing for being his
successor. One may argue that, just because of this, it was Lenin who was
responsible for Stalin’s rise to power, since without Lenin helping him
climb the ranks, Stalin may never have gained power. However, one must
consider, that even if Lenin is the one that indeed gave Stalin his positions
in government and aided him in having his own patronage powers, that,
had Stalin not been a competent politician, and a man of powerful
character, with the ability to see, take opportunities, and manipulate
situations such as Lenin’s favouritism he would have never been able to
remain in those positions after Lenin’s death, much less become the ruler
of Russia.
Trotsky, Stalin’s main opponent, not unlike Stalin, was one of Lenin’s most
trusted men. Trotsky, although intellectually capable, intelligent, well
versed in politics, and Commander of the army, he did end up losing the
power struggle with Stalin. His weaknesses with no doubt played a key
role in Stalin’s rise, but even then, Stalin was the decisive factor for his
rise to power. Trotsky, as a jew and former Menshevik, had always lacked
the popularity among the party that Stalin had gained, even after all his
contributions and positions. One of his mistakes was his want to suppress
Joseph Stalin, was a simple man from Georgia, who ended u being one of
Russia’s most influential leaders throughout all its history. A man
responsible for changing world events. His rise to power and who was the
one truly responsible for it, however, is a topic that is up for debate. Was
it his own merit , the weaknesses of Trotsky, or can it be attributed to his
predecessor, Lenin ? In fact, to an extend it is a combination of the three,
although, it is without any doubt, that his own capability is what ultimately
secured him his position as ruler of Russia.
His initiative, and dedication to the Bolshevik cause from a young age,
helping raise money for the Bolsheviks, through any means, often even
robberies and being an adamant supporter of Marxism got him noticed
buy Lenin, and he became his left hand man. Lenin often times, referred
to him as “ that wonderful Georgian”, showing his clear affection for
Stalin. This affection that Lenin possessed for him, proved to be very
beneficial for Stalin, as without a doubt, Lenin’s powers of patronage were
great, as the man who was essentially ruling Russia. As the Bolsheviks
controlled the Council of People’s Commissars and the Secretariat, Lenin,
used his power to propel Stalin into positions of power. He was appointed
Commissar of Nationalities, and General Secretary which in turn gave
Stalin powers of patronage, since, as General Secretary, he had access to
details for every party member’s lives and used secrets for manipulation
and coercion. After Lenin’s death, this gave him footing for being his
successor. One may argue that, just because of this, it was Lenin who was
responsible for Stalin’s rise to power, since without Lenin helping him
climb the ranks, Stalin may never have gained power. However, one must
consider, that even if Lenin is the one that indeed gave Stalin his positions
in government and aided him in having his own patronage powers, that,
had Stalin not been a competent politician, and a man of powerful
character, with the ability to see, take opportunities, and manipulate
situations such as Lenin’s favouritism he would have never been able to
remain in those positions after Lenin’s death, much less become the ruler
of Russia.
Trotsky, Stalin’s main opponent, not unlike Stalin, was one of Lenin’s most
trusted men. Trotsky, although intellectually capable, intelligent, well
versed in politics, and Commander of the army, he did end up losing the
power struggle with Stalin. His weaknesses with no doubt played a key
role in Stalin’s rise, but even then, Stalin was the decisive factor for his
rise to power. Trotsky, as a jew and former Menshevik, had always lacked
the popularity among the party that Stalin had gained, even after all his
contributions and positions. One of his mistakes was his want to suppress
