How Stalin came to powerthrough strategic positioning and political... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Subjects
Careers
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Responding to change (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Genetics & ecosystems (a2 only)
Ecology
Cells
Show all topics
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
The cold war
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
Inter-war germany
2j america: a nation divided, c1845-1877
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
11
0
Erin Oneill
24/07/2025
History
Stalin’s Rise to Power 1924-1941
266
•
24 Jul 2025
•
Erin Oneill
@erinoneill_nwll
How Stalin came to powerthrough strategic positioning and political... Show more
Stalin's rise to power was significantly bolstered by his strategic positions within the Communist Party and changes in party structure. How long was Stalin in power was influenced by the foundations he laid during this period.
Stalin's key positions included:
Highlight: Stalin's position as General Secretary gave him the power of patronage, allowing him to appoint his supporters to key positions and maintain awareness of all party activities.
The Lenin Enrolment, occurring between 1923-25, doubled party membership to 600,000. This influx of new members, predominantly poorly educated and politically naive, provided Stalin with a reliable bloc of votes at central and local levels, further enhancing his power of patronage.
Example: The new party members, owing their admittance to Stalin, became a loyal support base, strengthening his position within the party structure.
How did Stalin maintain power was largely due to his clever exploitation of party policies and events. This page explores some of the key tactics Stalin employed to consolidate his position.
Ban on Factionalism: Stalin skillfully used Lenin's ban on factionalism to his advantage. This policy made it difficult for his ideas to be challenged within the party, as any opposition could be viewed as factionalism and severely punished.
Definition: Factionalism refers to the formation of groups within a larger organization, often with differing ideologies or goals.
Lenin's Funeral: Stalin cleverly exploited Lenin's funeral for his own benefit. By delivering the oration and presenting himself as the leading mourner, he suggested a continuity between himself and Lenin.
Quote: "After 1924, if a party member could assume the mantle of Lenin and appear to carry on his power/work, he would establish a formidable claim to power. This is exactly what Stalin began to do."
Stalin's actions during this period were calculated to present himself as the true heir and successor to Lenin, effectively laying the groundwork for his future leadership.
Understanding Stalin's rise to power A level History requires an examination of his main rivals within the Communist Party. This page provides an overview of the key contenders and their strengths and weaknesses.
Trotsky:
Zinoviev:
Kamenev:
Bukharin:
Stalin:
Highlight: Despite his apparent weaknesses, Stalin's intimate knowledge of the party structure and his ability to manipulate situations to his advantage ultimately set him apart from his rivals.
The final page of the transcript discusses how Stalin's rise to power A level History was facilitated by his exploitation of ideological differences within the Communist Party. These disagreements provided opportunities for Stalin to outmaneuver his opponents and consolidate his position.
Key ideological debates within the party included:
Vocabulary: The New Economic Policy was an economic policy introduced by Lenin in 1921, allowing some private enterprise to stimulate economic growth after the Russian Civil War.
Stalin's role in these debates illustrates his tactics of maneuvering himself into a dominant position while outmaneuvering and isolating his opponents. He skillfully exploited these ideological differences to remove party leadership figures who opposed him.
Highlight: Stalin's ability to navigate and manipulate these ideological debates was crucial in his rise to power, as it allowed him to eliminate rivals while presenting himself as a pragmatic leader capable of addressing the party's pressing concerns.
By understanding and exploiting these internal party conflicts, Stalin was able to gradually consolidate his power and emerge as the undisputed leader of the Soviet Union.
Ideological Divisions Within the Party
The Communist Party faced significant ideological disagreements, which Stalin expertly exploited to consolidate his power.
Definition: NEP - A controversial economic policy that allowed some private enterprise.
Highlight: Key debates centered around the future of NEP, permanent revolution, and industrialization.
The Defeat of Trotsky
This section chronicles how Stalin, along with Zinoviev and Kamenev, successfully marginalized Trotsky within the party.
Quote: "Trotsky made little attempt to organize his supporters. He felt that inter-party squabbling was beneath him."
Highlight: The 13th Party Congress in 1924 marked a crucial turning point in Trotsky's defeat.
The Defeat of the Right
Stalin's final consolidation of power came through his defeat of the right-wing faction, particularly Bukharin.
Highlight: Stalin's shift to support rapid industrialization and agricultural collectivization marked a significant policy change.
Example: The rejection of NEP in 1928 signaled the end of Stalin's alliance with Bukharin.
After Lenin's death in 1924, the Soviet Union entered a period of collective leadership through the Politburo. Stalin's rise to power A level History begins with his unexpected emergence as a contender for sole leadership, despite being initially viewed as an unlikely candidate.
The power struggle involved several key Politburo members, including Trotsky, Stalin, Bukharin, Kamenev, and Zinoviev. Each contender's claim to authority was based on their revolutionary record, relationship with Lenin, and appeal within the party.
Highlight: Stalin, initially seen as a mere administrator with a dull personality, was referred to as a "Grey blur" by his contemporaries.
Stalin's path to power was paved by his strategic positions within the party:
Definition: The General Secretary role allowed Stalin to record and convey Party policy, giving him access to personal files on all party members.
These positions provided Stalin with extensive control over party organization and membership, significantly contributing to his accumulation of power.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Erin Oneill
@erinoneill_nwll
How Stalin came to powerthrough strategic positioning and political maneuvering in the Soviet Union after Lenin's death in 1924. The power struggle involved key figures like Trotsky, Bukharin, Kamenev, and Zinoviev, with Stalin ultimately emerging as the supreme leader... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Stalin's rise to power was significantly bolstered by his strategic positions within the Communist Party and changes in party structure. How long was Stalin in power was influenced by the foundations he laid during this period.
Stalin's key positions included:
Highlight: Stalin's position as General Secretary gave him the power of patronage, allowing him to appoint his supporters to key positions and maintain awareness of all party activities.
The Lenin Enrolment, occurring between 1923-25, doubled party membership to 600,000. This influx of new members, predominantly poorly educated and politically naive, provided Stalin with a reliable bloc of votes at central and local levels, further enhancing his power of patronage.
Example: The new party members, owing their admittance to Stalin, became a loyal support base, strengthening his position within the party structure.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
How did Stalin maintain power was largely due to his clever exploitation of party policies and events. This page explores some of the key tactics Stalin employed to consolidate his position.
Ban on Factionalism: Stalin skillfully used Lenin's ban on factionalism to his advantage. This policy made it difficult for his ideas to be challenged within the party, as any opposition could be viewed as factionalism and severely punished.
Definition: Factionalism refers to the formation of groups within a larger organization, often with differing ideologies or goals.
Lenin's Funeral: Stalin cleverly exploited Lenin's funeral for his own benefit. By delivering the oration and presenting himself as the leading mourner, he suggested a continuity between himself and Lenin.
Quote: "After 1924, if a party member could assume the mantle of Lenin and appear to carry on his power/work, he would establish a formidable claim to power. This is exactly what Stalin began to do."
Stalin's actions during this period were calculated to present himself as the true heir and successor to Lenin, effectively laying the groundwork for his future leadership.
Understanding Stalin's rise to power A level History requires an examination of his main rivals within the Communist Party. This page provides an overview of the key contenders and their strengths and weaknesses.
Trotsky:
Zinoviev:
Kamenev:
Bukharin:
Stalin:
Highlight: Despite his apparent weaknesses, Stalin's intimate knowledge of the party structure and his ability to manipulate situations to his advantage ultimately set him apart from his rivals.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The final page of the transcript discusses how Stalin's rise to power A level History was facilitated by his exploitation of ideological differences within the Communist Party. These disagreements provided opportunities for Stalin to outmaneuver his opponents and consolidate his position.
Key ideological debates within the party included:
Vocabulary: The New Economic Policy was an economic policy introduced by Lenin in 1921, allowing some private enterprise to stimulate economic growth after the Russian Civil War.
Stalin's role in these debates illustrates his tactics of maneuvering himself into a dominant position while outmaneuvering and isolating his opponents. He skillfully exploited these ideological differences to remove party leadership figures who opposed him.
Highlight: Stalin's ability to navigate and manipulate these ideological debates was crucial in his rise to power, as it allowed him to eliminate rivals while presenting himself as a pragmatic leader capable of addressing the party's pressing concerns.
By understanding and exploiting these internal party conflicts, Stalin was able to gradually consolidate his power and emerge as the undisputed leader of the Soviet Union.
Ideological Divisions Within the Party
The Communist Party faced significant ideological disagreements, which Stalin expertly exploited to consolidate his power.
Definition: NEP - A controversial economic policy that allowed some private enterprise.
Highlight: Key debates centered around the future of NEP, permanent revolution, and industrialization.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Defeat of Trotsky
This section chronicles how Stalin, along with Zinoviev and Kamenev, successfully marginalized Trotsky within the party.
Quote: "Trotsky made little attempt to organize his supporters. He felt that inter-party squabbling was beneath him."
Highlight: The 13th Party Congress in 1924 marked a crucial turning point in Trotsky's defeat.
The Defeat of the Right
Stalin's final consolidation of power came through his defeat of the right-wing faction, particularly Bukharin.
Highlight: Stalin's shift to support rapid industrialization and agricultural collectivization marked a significant policy change.
Example: The rejection of NEP in 1928 signaled the end of Stalin's alliance with Bukharin.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
After Lenin's death in 1924, the Soviet Union entered a period of collective leadership through the Politburo. Stalin's rise to power A level History begins with his unexpected emergence as a contender for sole leadership, despite being initially viewed as an unlikely candidate.
The power struggle involved several key Politburo members, including Trotsky, Stalin, Bukharin, Kamenev, and Zinoviev. Each contender's claim to authority was based on their revolutionary record, relationship with Lenin, and appeal within the party.
Highlight: Stalin, initially seen as a mere administrator with a dull personality, was referred to as a "Grey blur" by his contemporaries.
Stalin's path to power was paved by his strategic positions within the party:
Definition: The General Secretary role allowed Stalin to record and convey Party policy, giving him access to personal files on all party members.
These positions provided Stalin with extensive control over party organization and membership, significantly contributing to his accumulation of power.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user