Answer:
Joseph Stalin was able to gain power after the death of Vladimir Lenin through a combination of factors. Stalin initially held a position in the government as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union but was considered a relatively minor figure in the realm of Soviet politics. However, his behind-the-scenes maneuvering and control of key party positions, his propaganda tactics, and the weakness of his opponents allowed him to consolidate power.
Stalin was able to build up a network of supporters throughout the Communist Party and the Soviet government, which he then used to sideline his rivals. One key factor in Stalin's rise to power was his ability to manipulate factional infighting within the Communist Party. Stalin was able to exploit divisions between different leftist groupings, presenting himself as a moderate consensus builder. Additionally, Stalin's belief in industrialization and collectivization gained him considerable support among the urban proletariat and the peasantry.
In addition to his power within Soviet politics, Stalin utilized propaganda tactics to project an image of himself as the rightful heir to Lenin's legacy. Stalin was able to assert himself as the sole leader of the Soviet Union, and any opposition to his rule was seen as opposition to the Communist Party and the Soviet state.
In summary, Stalin was able to gain power after Lenin's death by building a network of loyal supporters, manipulating party factions, appealing to the working class, and projecting himself through propaganda as the legitimate successor to Lenin.