Stalin’s Rise to Power and Consolidation of Control (1924–1929)

After Lenin’s death in 1924, Stalin used his position as General Secretary to gain control of the Communist Party. He outmaneuvered rivals like Trotsky and by 1929 became the undisputed leader of the USSR, consolidating power through alliances, propaganda, and suppression of opponents.

1. Stalin Rise to Power World History, Grade 9, CIS

2. Day 1 Context & Lenin's Decline (1921–1924) Bolsheviks won the Civil War; Soviet power established Lenin's health declines; Lenin's Testament warns about Stalin Factions form within the Communist Party: Trotsky, Zinoviev, Kamenev, Bukharin 2

3. Stalin's Position & Strategy Appointed General Secretary in 1922 — controlled party membership and appointments Built a network of loyal supporters (patronage) Promoted 'Socialism in One Country', contrasting with Trotsky's 'Permanent Revolution' Formed temporary alliances to isolate rivals 3

4. Eliminating Rivals & Consolidation Trotsky exiled; other rivals sidelined Propaganda promoted Stalin as Lenin’s true successor Repression, purges, and show trials eliminated opposition By late 1920s/early 1930s, Stalin becomes undisputed leader 4

5. Key Takeaways / Impacts Stalin’s rise was due to strategic use of bureaucracy, alliances, and ideology Centralized power and political culture of fear established Set stage for decades of dictatorship and repression Discussion questions: Was Stalin’s rise inevitable? Ideology vs opportunism? 5

6. HomeWork : Write: “How did Stalin outmaneuver his opponents?” 6

7. Day2 Stalin’s Russia: Collectivization (1928–41) Stalin introduced collectivization to transform agriculture. Peasants were forced into collective farms (kolkhozes). Aimed to increase food production and support industrialization. Wealthier peasants (kulaks) resisted collectivization. 7

8. Methods of Collectivization State seized grain and livestock from peasants. Kulaks were arrested, deported, or executed. Propaganda promoted collectivization as a socialist duty. Machine Tractor Stations (MTS) provided equipment to farms. 8

9. Consequences of Collectivization Widespread famine, especially in Ukraine (Holodomor, 1932–33). Millions died due to starvation and repression. Agricultural output initially dropped. Political control over countryside increased. 9

10. Long-Term Impact / HomeWork By late 1930s, most farms collectivized. Agricultural efficiency improved slowly. Helped finance industrialization. Left lasting scars on rural communities. HomeWork : Diary: “Life on a collective farm.” 10

11. Thank you!