Answer :
Answer:
Overall, the economic problems of the NEP, Stalin's strategic positioning, and the weakening of his opposition all contributed to his rise to power in the Soviet Union.
Explanation:
Failures of the New Economic Policy (NEP):
The NEP, implemented by Lenin after the devastation of World War I and the Russian Civil War, was a temporary move towards a mixed economy with some market elements.
While the NEP achieved some success in reviving the economy, it faced criticism:
Inefficiency: Critics argued the NEP allowed a wealthy kulak (peasant) class to emerge, while industrial growth lagged.
Worker discontent: Workers felt exploited with low wages and poor working conditions.
Dwindling support: The NEP alienated communist hardliners who wanted a purer socialist system.
Stalin's promises:
Stalin positioned himself as the leader who could address these issues and achieve rapid industrialization. He promised:
Centralized planning: A shift away from the NEP's market elements towards a centrally planned economy controlled by the state.
Heavy industry: Focus on rapid development of industries like steel and coal to build a strong military and support further industrialization.
Improved living standards: An eventual improvement in living conditions for the working class after the initial focus on industry.
Appeal to the communist base:
Stalin's proposals resonated with some within the Communist Party who wanted a return to stricter socialist principles and a faster path to a communist society.
His promises of centralized control and rapid industrialization, even at a cost, appealed to those who desired a strong Soviet Union.
Weakened opposition:
Stalin rose to power through political maneuvering and elimination of his rivals within the Communist Party.
Figures like Leon Trotsky, who advocated for a more international communist revolution, were either exiled or killed, leaving Stalin unchallenged within the party.
After Lenin's death, Stalin began traveling across the USSR to deliver lectures on Leninist philosophy and began framing himself as the successor to Lenin. As the 1920s progressed, Stalin used his position to expel critics within the Communist Party and tightened his grip on the party.
