1. The Soviet Union: Totalitarian State
How does Lenin maintain control and how does Stalin gain power?

2. Lenin Maintains Power
After renaming the country the USSR (Soviet Union), Lenin attempts to fix Russia’s terrible economy
Although Lenin favored complete communism he must keep some forms of capitalism to help Russia’s economy
Lenin’s plan is called the New Economic Plan (NEP)
In this system the state will control major industries, while smaller business will remain privately owned
Government will now buy food from farmers & sell it to the Russian people for a low price
Lenin’s party (renamed Communists) will have total control of Russia
Lenin maintains control using the Cheka (secret police)
Cheka uses terror tactics against the enemies of Lenin
In 1922, Lenin suffers a stroke and becomes very ill
His right hand man, Leon Trotsky thinks he will now be in charge

3. Joseph Stalin also wanted to take power after Lenin’s death
The Rise of Stalin
Joseph Stalin also wanted to take power after Lenin’s death
Stalin was the communist party secretary and he uses his connections to influence people that he is the right man for the job
Before his death, Lenin privately told people that Stalin was a dangerous man that should not be trusted
Stalin keeps that info from becoming public and makes it appear that he and Lenin were very close
Stalin wins the battle and has Trotsky exiled
Stalin uses Cheka to maintain control
Good
Bye
Trotsky!
Soviet citizens live in a police state
People could be thrown in jail or exiled if they went against Stalin
Trotsky
VS.
Stalin