Stalin

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 party's operation before his death. Because of the panic, this need for immediate rule and control were in great demand. And it was Stalin who was in such a position to provide those things. Stalin knew that he had the chance to excel because of these distractions, the Party needed his help and cooperation. Knowing this he worked hard to display his organizational skills to Lenin, and therefore was promoted frequently. Had it been a traditional form of government, he, with his Georgian and lower class origin would not have had the opportunity to be promoted throughout his career. However, Lenin noticed Stalin's hard work and his obedient nature towards the good of the Party. These qualities, though not the same kind of intellect found with Trotsky, were essential to the Party's growth at the time, and therefore worked to Stalin's advantage.

With his rapid acceleration to a place of power, Stalin realized that great power was coming into his hands, and used it to his advantage. By holding the position of General Secretary he had access to personal files, and was then in a place to appoint people of his choice to positions within the Party and government. He also had the authority over 700 officials; even the secret police came under his control. He held such a major amount of power in that title, so much that he was able to "build up vast local and national bases of support." By doing so, certain people owed their posts to Stalin and dared not oppose him, he had their support and their votes. There was no decision that he would make that they would not support. Obviously this was no mistake. Stalin may not have known that such power and influence was coming in his direction but after everyone had overlooked it he was already realizing the possibilities that lay before him. After this realization and when he was settled in his post of General Secretary Stalin then used his cunning and organization skills to defeat his opponent Trotsky in the struggle for power after Lenin's death.

However, though there was a steady climb in Stalin's case it did not go by totally unnoticed. Lenin himself stated that Stalin's power was alarming in the famous "Lenin's Testament." "' Having become General Secretary, Comrade Stalin has concentrated enormous power in his hands, and I am not sure that he always knows how to use that power with sufficient caution' and further Ð''Stalin is too rudeÐ'... Therefore I suggest to the comrades that they should find a way to remove Stalin from that position'" This letter written by Lenin was not published for public eyes; not even Stalin's opponents had taken steps toward its publication. This was indeed a distinct window of opportunity for Trotsky, a lethal weapon he held but did not use. The reason for the letter's concealment was because Stalin's exposure would have led to open conflict and maybe the destruction of the Party. The Party which took so long to build up, and also the Party that meant too much to so many people.

This leads to the weaknesses in Trotsky's approach towards Stalin. He was also quite an adequate organizer, but in the wrong area. While Stalin focused his efforts toward the Party, in gaining control there, Trotsky was developing the Red Army. This was unfortunate, for the organization in terms of the Party was a leading factor for Stalin's victory over Trotsky. "Stalin could win by means of the Party, while Trotsky could only start another civil war." States historian Hellmut Andics. This failure to direct his talents towards the proper direction caused a great rivet in his platform. Although he is described as being among "intellectuals, inspired theoreticians, brilliant writers, nimble debaters" Trotsky still lost the battle in the end. Why was this? Despite these qualities which Trotsky possessed in abundance he failed to apply them correctly. He often lacked good judgement on his part and in turn, the tables were turned on his because of it.

A prime example of this lack in judgement was his hesitation to publish Lenin's testament. When he finally decided to use it as a weapon against Stalin it ended up working against him in the end. For his denial of its precious existence showed great hypocrisy on his part. This was an unfortunate situation due to his decision to keep the letter contained.