Final answer:
Stalin wanted to associate himself with Lenin to cement his legitimacy as Lenin's successor and a true ideologue of Marxism-Leninism. He did so through propaganda that visually linked him to Lenin and by making significant contributions to Marxist ideology, such as writing 'The Foundations of Leninism.' Over time, Stalin's efforts in various fields of discourse further solidified his position as an influential Soviet leader.
Step-by-step explanation:
Joseph Stalin's association with Vladimir Lenin was strategic in nature, allowing him to present himself as Lenin's rightful successor and a legitimate leader of the Soviet Union. To strengthen his claim, Stalin made numerous efforts to visibly align himself with Lenin in the public's eye. One significant method included the crafting of political propaganda that frequently showed Stalin alongside Lenin in posters and artwork—sometimes in contrived scenes where Stalin was positioned as advising or standing equal to Lenin. This manipulation of images was intended to reinforce Stalin's continuity with Lenin's revolutionary vision and ideology.
Moreover, Stalin aimed to affirm his role as a theorist by contributing to Marxist ideology. His book, The Foundations of Leninism, became a seminal work in defining Leninist thought and helped in establishing his credentials as a party theorist. Stalin's political maneuvering pre- and post-Lenin's death, setting himself up through strategic appointments and theoretical contributions, ultimately solidified his authority. In the years following Lenin's death, Stalin continued to rely on Lenin's legacy to maintain his position and shape his image as a key figure in Communism, comparable to, and eventually surpassing, Lenin.
Stalin's Interest in Ideology
Stalin's engagement with various discourses, including linguistics, science, and economics, demonstrated his desire to be taken seriously as a Communist ideologue. These efforts were not mere vanity, but reflected the larger importance of ideology in Soviet society. Eventually, Stalin's works saw widespread publication and were translated into numerous languages, signaling his successful establishment as a leading Marxist-Leninist thinker.