B) Although Trotsky appeared to be the natural successor of Lenin as a result of his substantial organisatin during the Civil war, he was out maneuvered by Stalin's lust for power. Trotsky changed from being a Menshevik to a Bolshevik, this caused mistrust within the party, many of whom thought Trotsky would split the party as a result of his extreme views and eventually become a dictator, due to his views of Communism spreading across the world through Permanent Revolution.
Trotsky was a key figure during the November Revolution and Civil War, as his .
formation of the Red army resulted in the success of the Bolshevik party, and .
furthermore secured the Communist state in Russia. He was also the only leading.
Communist who could rival Lenin as a speaker and writer about revolutionary ideas. .
.
He was fond of helping Communists in other countries to stage revolutionary ideas. However, he was distrusted, as people worried he would become a dictator since he could rely on the Red army. He was also very vulnerable in inspiring affection the way Lenin did, his arrogance and unconsiderate approach to those he considered stupid, alienated many people.
However, on the other hand, Stalin had a powerful position as General Secretary of the Communist party, as well as being a long-standing, loyal member of the Bolshevik party. As a result of Stalin's position as General Secretary, Stalin was able to bring in to the part more of his own supporters, and therefore, get rid of any opponents, who mite seem as a threat to him sometime in the future. He was a politically cunning man who played off different groups in the Communist party against each other.
During Lenin's funeral, Trotsky was ill therefore; Stalin tricked him in to not attending Lenin's funeral. However, people at the funeral though Trotsky could not be bothered to attend. Stalin also made a speech praising Lenin and said how he was Lenin's disciple.
