IB Extended Essay: Stalin's Rise to Power
Stalin, the "Man of Steel" is known for his use of terror during his legendary rule, the kind of leader that would stop at almost nothing to accomplish his goals. Ruthless, ambitious and cunning are among words commonly used to describe him. However, despite the fear he invoked among the people of Russia he did indeed start jump the economy and force the backward economy of Russia into the modern world of technology. With the two underlying themes of collectivization and industrialization he was able to give Russia the push which it lacked for so many years. The question of Stalin’s adequacy as a state leader still remains. Even though there were drastic improvements in terms of the economy, the population of Russia was still quite distraught. During his rule there was famine, propaganda, poor living conditions and massive terror. This was due to the "iron fist" method of rule Stalin incorporated in his system of government. Why then did Stalin gain power of the Bolshevik party in the first place? Among the individuals qualified for the position, the greatest struggle for power existed between Stalin and Trotsky. The two were as different as night and day, Trotsky having been born into a stable family was well educated and excelled intellectually while Stalin lacked these qualities. The main key to Stalin’s success in gaining power after Lenin’s death was held in his position as General Secretary within the Party, as well as his ability to plan and take advantage of situations and circumstances.
The Bolsheviks were a revolutionary group, which were not quite yet familiar with the aspects of controlling a government. By to the time when they gained power, most of their efforts were put into the revolution preparation. After finding Russia in their hands in 1917, they were making the handbook for the government through trial and error as they went along. Lacking a firm structure in their government system allowed Stalin to be promoted and helped in the concealment of his rise to power. Amidst all the chaos during the Bolshevik Party’s gain of power hasty decisions were made and overlooked. Lenin needed organization within the party. He needed followers who would carry out orders to the very last details and who would not question his decisions. After Lenin’s death there was an even greater need for organization because he had failed to lay the foundation for the...