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This fully resourced lesson introduces Key Topic 3 of the Edexcel 9–1 GCSE History course on Russia and the Soviet Union (1917–41). It explores the power struggle that followed Lenin’s death and provides students with a clear, structured understanding of the leading contenders and their competing strengths, weaknesses, and ideological positions.

The PowerPoint guides students through:

An engaging starter reviewing key context from Key Topic 2

Clear profiles of Stalin, Trotsky, Kamenev, Zinoviev, and Bukharin

A comparison grid activity encouraging students to evaluate leadership qualities

Discussion prompts to promote oracy and higher-order thinking

A structured written task requiring students to justify who they think was best suited to lead

A focused plenary connecting individual strengths to the broader theme of leadership in the Soviet Union

What’s Included:

Fully sequenced and editable PowerPoint (no textbook required)

Knowledge recall tasks embedded throughout the lesson

Comparison table activity with clear guidance and support

Stretch and support prompts to differentiate for all learners

Written question practice with scaffolding

Oracy-based discussion slides to maximise classroom engagement

This lesson is part of a complete scheme of work for Key Topic 3 and is ideal for departments aiming to deliver high-quality, ready-to-teach resources with no need for additional textbooks. The structure supports knowledge retention, critical thinking, and exam readiness — while saving hours of planning time.