How did the New Economic Policy 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 he exploited to gain power.

The NEP, introduced by Lenin in 1921, was a significant departure from the previous policy of War Communism. It allowed for a degree of private enterprise, permitting peasants to sell their surplus produce on the open market and small businesses to operate under private ownership. This policy was seen as a necessary compromise to revive the Russian economy after the devastation of the Civil War. However, it was controversial within the Communist Party, with many viewing it as a betrayal of socialist principles.

Stalin, who was then General Secretary of the Communist Party, was able to exploit these divisions. He initially supported the NEP, aligning himself with the 'Right' of the party who favoured the policy. This allowed him to build a power base and marginalise those on the 'Left' who opposed the NEP, such as Trotsky, Zinoviev and Kamenev. However, once he had consolidated his position, Stalin shifted his stance and began to criticise the NEP for fostering a new class of wealthy peasants, known as 'NEPmen', and for failing to industrialise the economy.

Stalin proposed a new policy of rapid industrialisation and collectivisation of agriculture, which appealed to those within the party who were disillusioned with the NEP. This enabled him to further strengthen his position and eliminate his rivals. By 1928, Stalin had effectively become the undisputed leader of the Soviet Union and the NEP was abandoned.

In conclusion, the NEP played a crucial role in Stalin's rise to power. It created divisions within the Communist Party that Stalin was able to exploit, first by supporting the policy to marginalise his rivals, and then by opposing it to consolidate his position. The controversy over the NEP also provided a pretext for Stalin to introduce his own economic policies, which further entrenched his control over the Soviet Union.