Russian Revolution: From Lenin to StalinLenin died in 1924, leaving a huge gap at the top of the Communist leadership. He had held the party together since 1917 and been central to determining policy. His death did not come at a good time. Now that the economy had recovered after the crises of 1921 there were many issues to resolve concerning the route to socialism, democracy and leadership in the party, and the problems of a growing bureaucracy. These issues, a well as conflict between the key personalities, led to a struggle over power that lasted for the next five years. Eventually, it was Stalin who succeeded Lenin.
