Explain Why Trotsky Did Not Become the Leader of the Ussr

Explain why Trotsky did not constitute the leader of the USSR by and by Lenins death in 1924 the Bolsheviks (although not out rightly stated) were in need of a new leader. The power struggle occurred from 1923-1929 and eventually Stalin in effect became the leader of the USSR due to many reasons, including the weaknesses of Trotsky. Trotsky had not been a Bolshevik ab initio he converted from the Menshevik fellowship in 1917. Therefore some of the party members doubted him as 100% trustworthy.Within the Civil War, he had created and led the rose-cheeked troops which was still very strong, and they feared that if he had the power to do so, Trotsky would use the Red Army to begin a violent coup and take everyplace the whole country himself. On top of this, Trotsky himself hadnt tried to work out up support inwardly the party and consequently after Lenins death when the party were in debate as to how the country should be run Trotsky had a difficult time trying to put earlier his ideas as many supported Stalin.In fact Trotsky had widely underestimated Stalin as a contender for the partys leadership. He had regarded him as inferior, which may prevail been true if looking at intelligence, however Trotskys arrogance blind him as his disregard for anyone less intelligent than himself again lost him support, whilst Stalin was gaining it passim the judgements he put forward and the allies he was creating. In hindsight it is agnise that this self-importance was Trotskys major downfall at this time because not only was he disliked but it caused him to make some pivotal errors of judgement.Most significantly the decision with Stalin to not publish Lenins final testament, in which it was proven that Lenin disliked Stalin and believed he had too much power and couldnt be trusted. It is clear that had this been publicised at the time Stalin would have struggled tremendously to become the leader with the criticism of a popular leader in the lead hand. However it condemned Trotsky as well and although his wouldve most likely had minor effect, he chose to keep his pride.This may have been partly because Trotsky wasnt as operate as the other leaders in wanting to take all over the party as he believed that as a Jew there would be prejudice against him as a leader due to anti-Semitism in Russia. Therefore he didnt push himself forward. Overall Trotsky did not become the leader of the USSR because he didnt have much support within the party and his lack of tactics and drive didnt make him a strong contender. Both of these weaknesses were highly influenced by his self absorbed personality.