Contenders for power Flashcards
What did Lenin leave behind to influence who would next rule?
Lenin have become a leader because of the respect senior colleague felt towards him and his hard work in the revolution. In leaving behind a ‘last testament’ which gave his opinion on the main contended for his position it shaped who would next rule.
Who were the contenders for power after Lenin?
Stalin, Trotsky, Zinoviev, Kamenev and Bukharin.
What was Stalin’s position of power?
Brought up from a peasant background, involved in revolutionary activity since a young age.
Was a member of the Bolshevik party since before 1917 but did not have a major role until the death of a leading member. He was elected into the Politburo and took on responsibilities others did not want, quietly gaining power.
What was Trotsky’s position of power?
Rivaled Lenin in intellect, a good speaker and convincing person. Was essential to the Bolshevik’s rise in power. Second to Lenin after the Revolution.
However, was arrogant and people questioned his loyalty to the party. He was unwilling to ‘play political games’.
What was Zinoviev’s position of power?
Lenin’s best friend, a good orator but did not have intellectual skills. Was the Party Secretary in the Politburo and was important with a good power base. He had opposed the rising in 1917, making people suspicious of him with people calling him incompetent and cowardly.
What was Kamenev’s position of power?
Kamenev had worked with Lenin since 1905. Lenin believed that he was capable and reliable.
Soft and incapable of leadership - opposed April thesis and October uprising.
What was Bukharin’s position of power?
Major figure in Party since before 1917.
Lenin describes him as his ‘golden boy’. Was popular in the party.
Accepted some non-Marxist point of views and was inquisitive.
