Before the Russian Revolution of 1917, Stalin had spent over a decade as a chief of the Bolshevik operatives. His responsibilities eventually led to him becoming a key figure in Lenin’s inner circle. During the Russian civil war, Stalin began acquiring connections with military leaders, such as generals in the Red Army. After the Bolsheviks won the civil war, they began expanding their revolution into other parts of Europe. Stalin’s actions during this revolution were subject to much criticism, including from Leon Trotsky, who had close personal ties with Lenin. This investigation will examine how Stalin, after Lenin’s death, overcame Trotsky; Lenin’s assumed successor, and took control of the Soviet Union.
Lenin’s Retirement and Death:
In 1918, an attempt at Lenin’s life was made by Fanya Kaplan, who shot Lenin twice. One of her bullets hit his shoulder and the other lodged into his neck. Lenin was almost fatally wounded, but ultimately survived the assassination attempt. The bullet that hit him in the neck remained there for four years until it was eventually removed in 1922. …show more content…
It was after 1929 that Stalin’s image and popularity took off. The purpose of this poster was to portray Stalin as a powerful, knowledgeable leader of his country. Stalin’s portrait and name became universally recognized through propaganda posters such as this. He became the face of Russia and Bolshevism. He was omnipresent, everywhere. This poster portrays Stalin as disciple to other great soviet leaders, Marks, Engels, and Lenin. The poster reads,” Raise High the Banner of Marks, Engels, Lenin and Stalin!” Where each image other than Stalin shows a character looking away from the audience, Stalin stares straight at the audience. This was done so as to portray Stalin as an all-powerful leader. This poster is valuable to historians because it was posters like this