What is the Difference Between Lenin and Stalin?

Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin were both influential leaders of the Soviet Union, but they had some key differences in their ideologies and approaches to governance:

1. Nationality and Architect: Lenin was the revered architect and elder statesman of the Bolshevik revolution, while Stalin was an ambitious rising party leader.
2. Federation vs. Centralization: Lenin advocated for a federation of equal republics, while Stalin's Great-Russian chauvinism led to a more centralized approach. Lenin wanted Ukraine, like all republics of the Soviet Union, to have the right to autonomy, its own language, and the right to secede, over the objections of the 'Great Russian Chauvinists'. Stalin, on the other hand, focused on a strong USSR and a more centralized approach.
3. Definition of a Nation: Lenin disagreed with Stalin's rigid definition of a nation as an "historically constituted, stable community of people, formed on the basis of a common language, territory, economic life, and psychological make-up manifested in a common culture". Lenin believed in the rights of most notably the Jews, which Stalin's definition would have ruled out.
4. Role of Power: Lenin focused on civics and used power to implement his ideas, while Stalin focused on power and used power to secure more power.
5. Communism and USSR: Lenin had a greater emphasis on spreading communism and favored a more decentralized and globalist approach, whereas Stalin wanted a strong USSR.

In summary, Lenin and Stalin had differing views on the structure of the Soviet Union, the definition of a nation, and the role of power in their respective governance. Lenin favored a more decentralized approach and emphasized the rights of different nationalities, while Stalin focused on a strong, centralized USSR.

Comparative Table: Lenin vs Stalin

Here is a table comparing the differences between Lenin and Stalin:

While both Lenin and Stalin were influential leaders in the Soviet Union, their ideologies and approaches to leadership were different. Lenin was more focused on Marxist revolutionary principles, while Stalin was more concerned with consolidating his power and building an empire.