The beginning of Stalin’s takeover

When did Vladimir Lenin die?

January 1924

What caused Lenin's death?

A major stroke he had suffered a year earlier

What revolution did Lenin lead in 1917?

The Bolshevik Revolution

What state did the Bolshevik Revolution create?

The first communist state in the world

How did Lenin lead the Soviet Union?

Through the force of his personality and political skill

How long did Lenin lead the Soviet Union?

7 years

What major conflict did Lenin lead the Bolsheviks through after 1917?

The Russian Civil War

What effect did Lenin’s death have on the Communist Party?

It left a massive void in leadership

How long had Lenin been central to the Bolshevik Party before his death?

Nearly 20 years

Who were some of Lenin’s key allies in the Bolshevik Party?

Stalin, Trotsky, Zinoviev, Kamenev, Bukharin, Rykov

What was Joseph Stalin’s position in the party?

Secretary General of the Communist Party

What was Leon Trotsky’s role during the Russian Civil War?

Commissar for War and leader of the Red Army

What leadership body were Stalin, Trotsky, and others part of?

The Politburo

What made Trotsky popular among the party and masses?

He was charismatic, a gifted speaker, and led the Red Army

Who was considered the most likely successor to Lenin?

Leon Trotsky

What did Lenin think of Stalin personally?

He saw Stalin as uncouth, rough, and power-hungry

Why wasn’t Stalin as popular as Trotsky?

He lacked charisma and was not a good public speaker

What was Stalin’s key strength?

He was efficient at administration and organization

What power did Stalin gain in 1922?

He became General Secretary of the Bolshevik Party

Why was being General Secretary important for Stalin?

It gave him control over party appointments and influence across the party