In this letter also known as his "Testament" Lenin wrote that the main danger facing them all was a split in the Party. ... The Rightists (Bukharin, Tomsky and Rykov) believed that the government must continue Lenin's New Economic Policy for at least the next twenty years. ... Stalin was a cold, dull character as most Western historians claim. ... For the time being, it looked as if Stalin had a good chance of becoming the new leader of the USSR. ... Lenin's "Testament" signaled the end of Stalin's political career. ...

• Word Count: 1922
• Approx Pages: 8

Stalin had now picked up his new pseudonym (Stalin) meaning "Man of Steel. ... After the takeover of the government, Stalin became a member of the new government's Soviet of People's Commissars, heading the Commissariat for Nationality Affairs. ... Stalin did not like this testament and through political maneuvering, had it concealed. ... Stalin's character was formed through an early environment of his father's uncontrollable rages, and ill treatment. ...

• Word Count: 1410
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

D Analysis This investigation proves important because it shows the character of Josef Stalin and his struggle to come to power in Russia. ... Once Lenin became incapable of running the party a new candidate had to be chosen. ... He used Lenin's last testament to make himself look good and those two men along with Trotsky look bad. ...

• Word Count: 1632
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School