Stalin's Transformation of the Russian Economy Stalin's attraction to the works of Karl Marx was what brought Stalin into the political world. He was in the seminary when he became interested in Marxism and this was disapproved of, and so he was expelled. It was here that he joined the Bolshevik Party. During the period when the party split and speeches were given, Stalin made one in which he praised the current leader - Lenin, whose attention was captured. In 1917, Stalin became Commissar of Nationalities, meaning he was in charge of the Bolshevik Party. ethnic minority. Five years later, in 1922, Stalin became general secretary of the Communist Party: this position was perfect for Stalin later, when he became acquainted with other members, which brought him many favors. However, shortly before Lenin's death, Lenin wrote a Testament, which contained information about his party members and who would be ideal to be the leader of Russia after his death. In this he was very critical of Stalin, which could have hindered Stalin's position in the party. Instead he used it to get rid of two of his opponents: Zinoviev and Kamenev. Stalin eventually came to power after Lenin's death. He was not a first choice as leader of Russia, but Stalin fought his way to the top by ridding himself of the opposition. Before Stalin's reign over Russia, the country's economy was not good. Going back to when there was still a tsar, Tsar Nicholas II, in 1894, was the start of big problems. The Tsar ascended the throne at the age of 26. He had no idea what was involved, what to do and went along with what others told him. When Russia became involved in the war, Nicholas went to the front lines. He left his wife, Alexandra, in command. Alexandra at this point was very close to a man called Rasputin, who "helped" Alexandra with her decisions. It hampered the Russian economy. After the fall of the tsar, the new government, the Duma, arrived. The Duma tried to transform Russia into a democratic society, but struggled,