After Stalin's death in 1953, the Soviet Union entered a period of collective leadership as there was no clear successor. Khrushchev, Malenkov, Molotov, and Bulganin emerged as the main contenders for power. Over time, through political maneuvering and outmaneuvering his rivals, Khrushchev was able to consolidate power and become the sole leader of the Soviet Union by 1958, emerging as both First Secretary of the Communist Party and Chairman of the Council of Ministers.

1. LO: To understand how Khrushchev was able to emerge as the new leader of Russia Khrushchev 1958-1964

2. Stalin died in March 1953, his body was preserved at put on display alongside the body of Lenin. He died without naming a successor. Just like the events after Lenin’s death there was a power struggle for power in the USSR. The four main contenders were: Khrushchev Malenkov Molotov Bulganin All men wanted to maintain Stalinism, such as its economic planning, but wished for it to be modified to remove its excessive. These men ruled Russia as a Collective Leadership as the Communist Party was afraid of the idea of one man dominating again. Party Secretary Prime Minister Foreign Minister Minister for Defence

4. Draw a timeline of how Khrushchev became sole leader of Russia (add notes to each date/event): March 1953 : Collective Leadership emerges Dec 1953 : Murder of Beria 1954 : Underestimation of Khrushchev 1954 : Malenkov’s New Course 1954 : Khrushchev increases his popularity Feb 1955 : Malenkov resigns due to Khrushchev’s attacks on his policies 1957 : Attempt to vote out Khrushchev 1958 : Khrushchev is sole leader of Russia when he becomes PM

5. What are the similarities between the way Stalin and Khrushchev both emerged as leader of Russia?