The Power Struggle

The Triumvirate versus Trotsky and the Left Opposition

• Triumvirate formed in 1923 with Stalin, Zinoviev and Kamenev to deny Trotsky power
• Ensure Trotsky was unable to master the party
• Destroy Trotsky influence by questioning his ideology and loyalty to Lenin
• Zinoviev and Kamenev persuaded Central Committe not to publish Lenin's testament which would destroy Stalin
• As General Secretary Stalin drew up a list of approved candidates for the Party congress therefore stalin had control over who attended the important congress
• Trotsky poor health meant he missed meetings and refused to make private alliances
• 'Cult of Lenin- denyed trotsky power because it promoted Trotsky as disloyal to Lenin
• Stalin lied about the date of the funeral so Trotsky didnt attend
• Zinoviev and Kamenev criticised Trotskys Lessons of October because it only promoted Trotsky role
• Truimvirate promoted Trotsky as a Menshevik and highlighted the disagreements with Lenin in the past
• Stalin was promoting Socialism in One country which Zinoviev and Kamenev disagreed with breaking alliance.

Dummvirate versus the Left

• Stalin united with Bukharin
• Both agreed Socialism in one country was possible
• Both…