Stalin's Power struggle

3 reasons why Stalin became leader

1. Stalin’s tactics
2. Factor of luck
3. Weakness of Opposition

Lenin’s funeral date

27th January 1924

Who did Stalin convince not to attend Lenin’s funeral and what effect did this have

Trotsky- damaged reputation and political prestige

How did Stalin make the most of Lenin’s funeral

introduced himself as Lenin’s “disciple” and promoted himself as the one who could carry out Lenin’s work

Who did Stalin fill congress with

Stalinist delegates whilst opponents argued

Stalin’s popular policy

Socialism in one country

Who did Stalin’s policy form an alliance with and when

right wing and Bukharin in 1925

When was Stalin the undisputed leader of the USSR and his 50th birthday

December 1929

In what aspect was Stalin particularly lucky?

Nobody saw him as a threat early on

When was Lenin’s death and how did it positively impact Stalin?

21st January 1924, enabled him to take over (disciple)

Who argued Lenin’s secret testament shouldn’t be read out to the central comittee in 1924?

Zinoviev and Kamenev

Why was Stalin lucky that Lenin’s secret testament was not read out?

it would have ended his career

What contributed to Trotsky’s unpopularity in 1921?

he approved a ban of factions and was unwilling to cause splits within the party

Who held a campaign against Trotsky questioning his loyalty?

Zinoviev and Kamenev

Lessons in October

Trotsky’s criticism of Zinoviev and Kamenev’s unwillingness to support Lenin in 1917 revolution

When was Stalin attacked by opposition yet came out on top due to his power?

14th party congress in 1925

Who joined with Trotsky in 1926 to form a coalition?

Zinoviev and Kamenev

Why were Trotsky, Zinoviev and Kamenev expelled from the party in 1927?

they attempted to form a coalition yet this failed and they could now be accused of factionalism