I'm a fan of soviet history as much as a layman with little education can be, but every time I try to understand how Stalin became the leader of Russia during a period where there seemed to be many possible options, I seem to get lost in the minute details and was hoping for a general overview. I'm especially confused at how Stalin evaded the fact that Lenin I guess did not believe he should rule the Soviet Union, so how did he overcome this? I tried to search this issue first, figuring it would have been covered, but I honestly could not find it. Thanks in advance for any clarity.
Happy to expand on any points if required. Apologies for formatting as I'm on mobile.
Stalin controlled the Party machinery, and used it to good effect. He had considerable powers of patronage and could promote his friends and allies. He filled Congress with his supporters, and they supported him on key issues. His main rival Trotsky was head of the army, but this made people distrust him and he was forced to give up the position.
Opponents' mistakes: You're right to say that Lenin no longer trusted Stalin - the postscript of his Testament said as much. Problem is, none of his opponents wanted it to be made public, and so Stalin escaped the embarrassment. Next, everyone sided with Stalin against Trotsky, who they saw as the main threat. This enabled Stalin to build up his strength (the aforementioned filling up of Congress with his supporters) relatively unopposed.
Ideological and economic issues: the semi-capitalist New Economic Policy started to fail in the late 1920s and Russia started to starve (more than usual). The 'right' of the Party wanted to stick by the NEP. Stalin opted for more communist (and effective in the short term) grain requisitioning. This was pragmatic and led to the Right losing all influence.
Note, that even though Stalin was effectively leader by 1930, his rule was not absolute. The 1934 Congress saw Stalin 'defeated' in a vote and his leadership challenged. It took a period of terror and a war to more fully consolidate his control.
I'd just like to add that Lenin had several strokes before his death and he was kept as a virtual prisoner by Stalin, who was at this point General Secretary of the Party as appointed by Lenin himself, until he died.
Although Lenin recovered some of his ability to write and speak, any chance of co-ordinating potential challengers was censored by Stalin.
Might I suggest that if you're interested in a general history of the Russian Revolution you read the Revolutionary Russia, 1891-1991: A Pelican Introduction by Orlando Figes. It's far cheaper, and probably more readable, than a more rigorous academic work.
Excellent responses! I have some odd questions as well.
I've heard different takes on Stalin's commitment to his own ideas. Some people say his economic and political actions were merely excuses to gain personal power, while others have told me he was actually very idealistic. I've always assumed it was a combination of the two. Is there any historical consensus on this?
Second, what is de-Stalinization? I know it pertains to eroding Stalin's personality cult, but not much else.
Thank you all again!