The Bolsheviks and the power struggle following the death of Lenin

leaders, especially Stalin, and recommending his removal from the General Secretary position. It was suppressed after Lenin’s death.

How did Stalin rise to power after Lenin’s death?

Stalin used his roles to build a support base, controlled appointments, portrayed himself as Lenin’s disciple, and played rivals like Trotsky, Zinoviev, and Bukharin against one another.

Why was being General Secretary so powerful?

It gave Stalin control over party membership and appointments, allowing him to place loyalists in key positions and gather intelligence on rivals.

Why did Trotsky fail to succeed Lenin?

Trotsky was brilliant but arrogant, unpopular within the Party, failed to act decisively, and underestimated Stalin. He also missed Lenin’s funeral, damaging his image.

How did Stalin exploit Lenin’s funeral?

Stalin delivered the eulogy, portrayed himself as Lenin’s heir, and misled Trotsky about the date, ensuring Trotsky’s absence.

What were the Left and Right Oppositions?

The Left (Trotsky, Zinoviev) wanted rapid industrialisation and end to the NEP. The Right (Bukharin, Rykov) supported the NEP. Stalin used shifting alliances to defeat both.

What was the 1921 ban on factions?

Passed to prevent intra-party debate from weakening unity; Stalin later used it to justify suppressing all opposition, consolidating one-man rule.

What was Lenin’s Enrolment?

A campaign to expand Party membership (1923–25), primarily with politically naïve workers loyal to Stalin, increasing his power base in the Party.

What was Lenin's Testament?

A secret document written in late 1922 criticising several