How did Stalin rise to power through his struggles with Zinoviev, Kamenov, and Trotsky?.
After Lenin was no longer a candidate for power, Stalin was capable of stepping up and taking control. At the beginning, his only real threat came from Trotsky. Soon, however, Stalin was in conflict with more people. Kamenov and Zinoviev joined with Trotsky in the opposition of Stalin. All three had previously been partly members. This will examine the individual conflicts Stalin had with each man. I will also examine the methods Stalin used against these men. This information will then be analyzed and a conclusion will be drawn on how these struggles against these men helped Stalin in power.
B Summary of Evidence.
1. Kamenov.
Once was a full-time revolutionary.
Known for oratory skills. People often became entranced by speech. He was looked upon as an asset for the party.
Had charge of the Moscow party machine. Controlled party organizations. (De Jonge 164, 214).
August 1926 relieved as the Commissar for Internal and Foreign Trade.
Once out of central power he joined with Trotsky and Zinoviev. They formed the "united opposition". Their only common similarity was their opposition of Stalin. This group's goal was to split the party. They did everything in their power to accomplish this.
Was a previous Menshevik leader. This would come back to haunt him later.
Took part in inner party moments of 1925-1927.
tried in Moscow trials on false charges. Went along with charges. This was the doing of Stalin. Shot after trial. (Medveder 33, 174).
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2. Zinoviev.
"He was, however, an outstanding orator, though his speeches had more power than content"(De Jonge 163) This just shows how he could use his speech to move those he talked to.
He left the central committee on his own free will. This came shortly after a speech was made by Stalin using Lenin's testimony.
Joined with Trotsky and Kamenov in "united opposition".