... power. This gave him an edge over his opponents and stressed his potential. Even Lenin was aware of Stalin's potential. In his last testament, Lenin said of Stalin: "Comrade Stalin, having become General Secretary, has concentrated enormous power in his hands: and I am not sure that he always knows how to use that power with sufficient caution." This gives an important insight into Stalin's capacity and will to become leader of the Soviet Union. This example of Stalin's strategy and determination was further reinforced by Lenin's funeral. This is because he convinced Trotsky, who was in another part of Russia at the time that there was no need to undertake the long journey for Lenin's funeral, as it would be fruitless. This resulted in two main feats; firstly it made much of the Communist Party doubt Trotsky's respect for Lenin, as he was seen as disloyal for not attending ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now