Essay Scaffold: Assess the significance of the power struggle between Stalin, Trotsky and other leading Bolshevik figures in the 1920s

Introduction

Start with a hook: Introduce the idea that after the Russian Revolution of 1917, leaders like Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky battled for control of the Communist Party.
State your thesis: The power struggle between Stalin, Trotsky, and other Bolshevik leaders was important because it shaped the future of the Soviet Union and the direction of communism.
Provide a brief overview of the main points: Highlight the significance of their conflicts, the impact on the Soviet government, and how it influenced global communism.

Describe the context: Explain where Stalin, Trotsky, and others came from in the Bolshevik Party.
Key terms to understand:
- Bolshevik Party
- Vladimir Lenin
Historical judgment/example: Lenin’s death in 1924 created a power vacuum. Both Stalin and Trotsky wanted to fill this position, leading to intense competition.
Source for further reading: History.com - Joseph Stalin

Describe the conflict: Talk about how Trotsky initially held a powerful position as the leader of the Red Army but faced opposition from Stalin.
Strategies used:
- Trotsky promoted "permanent revolution."
- Stalin supported "socialism in one country."
Historical judgment/example: The disagreements between their ideologies showed two different paths for the future of the Soviet Union.
Source for further understanding: National Geographic - Joseph Stalin

Introduce other leaders: Mention figures like Grigory Zinoviev and Lev Kamenev and their roles.
Their alliances and conflicts: Some supported Trotsky while others allied with Stalin.
Historical judgment/example: The shifting alliances affected the outcome of the power struggle, ultimately benefiting Stalin.
Further reading link: BBC - A History of the World - Revolution in Russia

Discuss the outcomes:
- Stalin’s rise to power
- Trotsky’s expulsion
- The authoritarian regime established under Stalin
Historical judgment/example: The struggle led to a dictatorship over the Soviet Union, impacting millions of lives and altering the course of global communism.
Resource for deeper insights: History.com - Lenin and the Russian Revolution

Summarise main points: The power struggle significantly influenced the direction of the Soviet Union and communism.
Restate the thesis: The conflict between Stalin, Trotsky, and other Bolsheviks was not just about power; it was about differing visions for a new society.
Final thoughts: Understanding this power struggle helps us comprehend the complexity of Soviet history and its impact on the world.

This scaffold is designed for low literacy students to effectively structure their essay and develop their arguments with supporting evidence.