Lenin became increasingly ill, there was rising tension between the two likely candidates to replace Lenin. Both Stalin and Trotsky wanted Lenin's place putting them in a Power struggle. In 1924 Lenin died. Trotsky and Stalin were the obvious contenders for taking Lenin's place as leader of the Bolsheviks. When Lenin died he left no clear successor to lead the Communist Party (the Bolsheviks), so it was assumed that Trotsky was going to be Lenin's successor, …showed first 75 words of 454 total…

…showed last 75 words of 454 total…In conclusion, I feel that Stalin was Lenin's successor as he was a strong,determined man. He mixed his own ideas with Lenin's and manipulated those who did not support him. Stalin was man of many personalities - being kind to his opposition whilst plotting to kill them. Trotsky was always seen as the weaker opposition. He was too ambitious for the Russian people and was feared because of his control of the Red Army.