How did the NEP contribute to the rise of Stalin?

The New Economic Policy (NEP) contributed to the rise of Stalin by creating internal divisions within the Communist Party, which Stalin exploited to consolidate his power.

The NEP, introduced by Lenin in 1921, was a significant shift from the previous policy of War Communism. It allowed for a degree of private enterprise, aiming to stimulate the economy after the devastation of the Civil War. However, this policy was controversial within the Communist Party, leading to divisions between those who supported the NEP and those who advocated for a return to more orthodox Marxist principles. Stalin, who was then the General Secretary of the Communist Party, was able to exploit these divisions to his advantage.

Stalin initially positioned himself as a moderate, supporting the NEP and aligning himself with the right of the party, led by Bukharin. This allowed him to marginalise the left, led by Trotsky, who was critical of the NEP and advocated for rapid industrialisation. By doing so, Stalin was able to consolidate his position within the party and eliminate one of his main rivals for power.

However, once Trotsky and the left were marginalised, Stalin shifted his position. He turned against the NEP and Bukharin, advocating for a policy of rapid industrialisation and collectivisation. This was a popular move within the party, as many Communists were uncomfortable with the capitalist elements of the NEP. By aligning himself with this sentiment, Stalin was able to further consolidate his power and eliminate Bukharin and the right as a threat.

Furthermore, the NEP had led to economic problems, including inflation and a growing wealth gap, which caused dissatisfaction among the populace. Stalin used this dissatisfaction to his advantage, presenting his policies of industrialisation and collectivisation as solutions to the problems caused by the NEP. This helped him to gain support among the wider population, further strengthening his position.

In conclusion, the NEP played a crucial role in Stalin's rise to power. The policy created divisions within the Communist Party, which Stalin was able to exploit to eliminate his rivals and consolidate his power. Furthermore, the economic problems caused by the NEP allowed Stalin to present his policies as necessary solutions, helping him to gain wider support.