“Lenin had the most significant role in the consolidation of the new Soviet state.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that Lenin played the most important role in ensuring the survival of the Soviet state. Many candidates will agree with the statement, citing Lenin’s importance as leader of the party, in implementing policies that would gain popular support, and in dealing with potential opposition. Reference may be made to Decrees on Peace and Land, War Communism, and the New Economic Policy (NEP) and their importance in maintaining Soviet power. Other candidates may argue that, while he was significant politically, Lenin would not have been able to deal effectively with the threats to the new state such as the civil war and the uprisings against War Communism (Kronstadt) alone, and that Lenin needed the effective military leadership of Trotsky to consolidate Soviet power. Some may argue that Lenin and Trotsky were equally important and that they complemented one another.