Russia- Stalin's Power Race With Trotsky

Question 1

What were Trotsky’s mistakes?

Answer 1

▪️He was arrogant
    🕳Often offended other party members
    🕳Thought he was going to win already
    🕳Felt he was secure so he didn't attack other candidates
▪️His policy scared some of the party
    🕳Total world revolution
▪️Didn't go to Lenin's funeral
▪️Didn't want to publish Lenin's will

Question 2

Why was Trotsky the outright favourite candidate to replace Lenin?

Answer 2

▪️He was the Party’s best political thinker

▪️He organised the war efforts for the Reds, won the Civil War for them

Question 3

How did Stalin trick Trotsky into not going to Lenin’s funeral?

Answer 3

Told him a different date

Question 4

Why was Trotsky missing the funeral so important?

Answer 4

▪️Made Trotsky look bad
▪️Stalin was the ‘Chief Mourner’
🔺Made him look close to Lenin

Question 5

Why was Lenin’s Will not being publishedso important to Stalin?

Answer 5

If it was to be published then it would’ve damaged Stalin’s chances ( he said he was an unfit leader.)

“I am not sure if he will be able to use his authority with sufficient caution”

Question 6

What were Stalin’s popular policies?

Answer 6

▪️He wanted to establish Socialism in one country before permanent revolution
▪️He was the man of the people compared to the other candidates

Question 7

Why were his policies effective?

Answer 7

The public did not want another conflict after WW1 and the Civil War.

Question 8

How can you explain Stalin swapping sides?

Answer 8

He was Alves to pick of his rivals one by one
E.g: He teamed up with Bukharin to get with of Trotsky
And then used Trotsky’s argument against Bukharin

Question 9

How did he use his position as Gen. Sec to create a Power Bloc.

Answer 9

By giving people jobs, they become loyal to him