“Stalin’s control of the Communist Party was the main reason for his victory in the struggle for power (1924–1929).” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement. Candidates may agree with the statement, by noting that the Party was more important than public opinion in the emergence of leaders. Stalin’s role as General Secretary was crucial as he controlled membership and was able to fill the party with supporters (note, for example, the Lenin Enrolment), and used party rules to weaken opponents (the Ban on Factions). Candidates may argue that the weakness of his opponents was crucial. Trotsky lacked party support, missed Lenin’s Funeral and his military links aroused suspicion. Further, he was unwilling to split the party. For their part, Kamenev and Zinoviev did not initially see Stalin as a threat. Candidates may focus on Stalin’s political flexibility, he advocated different policies at different stages, such as during the Triumvirate, the elimination of the Left Opposition and then the Right Opposition. The struggle for power was carried out behind a debate within the party on economic policy. By 1929, he supported the policy of Socialism in One Country and collectivization.

The question required candidatesto offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that Stalin’s control of the Communist Party was the main reason for his victory in the struggle for power (1924-1929). Some excellent knowledge and arguments were displayed by some candidates on the importance of the Party and other factors in Stalin’s victory in the struggle for power. These included the shortcomings of his rivals. However, some candidates only knew about Stalin’s Cult of Personality, Purges and Five-Year Plans.