How important were the mistakes of his opponents in explaining Stalin’s victory in the power struggle between 1924 and 1928?

Many historians would argue that the mistakes of his opponents played a vital role in explaining Stalin’s victory in the power struggle. However, whilst this did contribute, it is likely that Stalin’s role as General Secretary was the most important factor, with the Lenin Legacy also playing a role.

The mistakes of Stalin’s opponents aided him in his victory in the power struggle because these mistakes made them easier to defeat and led instead to Stalin becoming increasing popular. For instance, Stalin’s main opponent was Trotsky, but that face that Trotsky supported the notion of “World Revolution” made him unpopular, as it was a policy that was viewed as putting the needs of other countries before those of Russia and it didn’t show faith in the Soviet people. Additionally, Zinoviev and Kamenev made the mistake of not initially supporting the 1917 October Revolution, which meant that they were therefore considered disloyal to the Bolshevik party and to Lenin. Stalin was consequently able to accuse them of factionalism and eliminate them as opposition.

However, another historical interpretation could be that the Lenin Legacy contributed to Stalin’s victory. This is because, by linking himself to Lenin, Stalin portrayed himself to be loyal to Lenin and a suitable successor. For instance, by expanding the party in tribute to Lenin through the Lenin Enrolment after his death in 1924, Stalin was credited as honouring Lenin. This enrolment also benefitted Stalin, as the new party members were younger and uneducated, with only 8% received secondary education, meaning that Stalin was able to easily manipulate and influence them into becoming his supporters. Continuing with Lenin’s 1921 policy of Ban on Factionalism also worked in