Stalin's Rise to Power: Political Maneuvering Examined
TITLE
Analyse the view that Stalin’s political skill was the main reason for his rise to power by 1929.
ESSAY
Stalin's rise to power by 1929 was primarily a result of his political skill. This essay will analyze the various ways in which Stalin strategically positioned himself within the communist party, exploiting opportunities and weaknesses of his opponents to secure power and influence.
One of Stalin's most successful maneuvers was his use of Lenin's funeral to advance his own position. By ensuring that Trotsky did not attend the funeral and positioning himself as a pallbearer, Stalin presented himself as Lenin's most loyal disciple. He delivered a speech designed to capitalize on this image, further cementing his position as a legitimate successor to Lenin.
Furthermore, Stalin was willing to take on administrative positions within the party, which allowed him to build a strong power base. His position as Party Secretary granted him control over Politburo meetings, giving him the ability to shape the agenda and manipulate decisions in his favor. Additionally, his roles in Orgburo and Secretariat enabled him to control key appointments at regional and local levels, ensuring that his supporters held influential positions.
Stalin's supervision of the 'Lenin Enrolment' was another demonstration of his political skill. This initiative attracted young urban workers who were less interested in ideological debates and more drawn to Stalin's policies. By bringing in these new recruits, Stalin was able to strengthen his support base and consolidate his power within the party.
Moreover, Stalin displayed cunning and skill in his approach to the power struggle. He remained in the background, portraying himself as a moderate peacemaker, while playing his opponents off against each other. His policy of 'Socialism in one Country' resonated with the party members, helping him defeat the left in the power struggle. He then advocated rapid industrialization, further solidifying his support and marginalizing the right.
However, it is essential to consider the mistakes and weaknesses of Stalin's opponents, particularly Trotsky. Unlike Stalin, Trotsky did not have proletarian roots and had only joined the Bolsheviks in 1917, making him a less experienced and entrenched party member. Additionally, there were suspicions that Trotsky would attempt to assume dictatorial powers, which undermined his support.
Trotsky's intellectual prowess was overshadowed by his perceived arrogance and his failure to build a power base within the party. In contrast to Stalin, Trotsky lacked the necessary political skills, fatally underestimating the threat posed by Stalin. Furthermore, the suppression of Lenin's secret testament, critical of Stalin, was urged by Kamenev and Zinoviev, and Trotsky failed to intervene effectively. Had Lenin's opinions on Stalin become widely known, it is possible that Stalin could have been challenged and stopped.
In conclusion, while there were other factors at play during Stalin's rise to power, such as the mistakes and weaknesses of his opponents, it is evident that Stalin's political skill was the primary reason behind his ascendancy. He strategically positioned himself within the party, exploited opportunities, and strategically neutralized his opponents. His ability to control key appointments, manipulate party proceedings, and present himself as a loyal disciple of Lenin established him as the dominant force within the communist party by 1929.
SUBJECT
HISTORY
PAPER
A Level
NOTES
Analyse the view that Stalin’s political skill was the main reason for his rise to power by 1929. Indicative content Points raised to agree with the stated factor might include how Stalin used Lenin’s funeral to advance his position, ensuring Trotsky’s non- attendance and acting as a pallbearer before making a speech designed to present himself as Lenin’s disciple. He was also prepared to take on administrative positions, which allowed him to build up a strong power base. He skilfully used his position as Party Secretary in order to control Politburo meetings. Furthermore, he was able to control key appointments through his roles in Orgburo and Secretariat to ensure his supporters were represented at regional and local level. His supervision of the ‘Lenin Enrolment’ led to an influx of young urban workers who were less interested in ideological debate and more attracted by Stalin’s policies. Stalin was also politically very skilful and cunning. He remained in the background and played the role of a moderate peacemaker. He played his opponents off against each other very effectively in the power struggle. His policy of ‘Socialism in one Country’ was popular and helped him to defeat the left in the power struggle. He then advocated rapid industrialisation to see off the right. Party members generally approve of his policies. Balance might be achieved by examining the mistakes and weaknesses of his opponents, chiefly Trotsky. For example, unlike Stalin, Trotsky did not have proletarian roots or was a long serving member, having only joined the Bolsheviks in 1917. There was a suspicion that he might attempt to assume dictatorship. Trotsky also had a great intellect but was considered by many to be arrogant and unwilling to build a power base in the party. He lacked the political skills that Stalin possessed and fatally underestimated the threat posed by Stalin. Lenin’s secret testament was critical of Stalin, but Kamenev and Zinoviev urged its suppression and Trotsky failed to intervene. Stalin could have been stopped at this point had Lenin’s opinions on him become more widely known. Analysis is expected to provide a supported judgement on the stated factor and to balance it against other factors to reach a conclusion based on a logical line of reasoning.