AS FP3 : Lenin's death, ideology and the nature of leadership Flashcards
When did Lenin die?
1924
What was built around Lenin after his death ; how was this done?
The cult of Leninism, Stalin embalmed his body and displayed it, additionally Petrograd was renamed Leningrad and a statue of Lenin was built in every major city.
In Marxist-Leninist ideology, what was leadership of a communist state supposed to be like?
Power was supposed to be shared by a collective leadership, not held by any single, dominating leader ; therefore there was no meachanism for any such leader to be chosen.
Why were there ideological debates about policy after Lenin’s death?
Lenin’s leadership was based around his pragmatism, therefore there were many changes of direction in the implementation of Marxist-Leninism.
What were some of the ideological problems following Lenin’s death?
- Should the economic policy of the NEP continue?
- Should the centralised control and bureaucracy that emerged under Lenin be replaced by Party Democracy
- Foreign relations
- Socialism in one country vs Permament revolution
What would the new leader need the support of?
The Politburo.
What problems did Lenin’s testament cause?
Lenin lay down no clear successor, he was high;y critical of all those who may have succeeded him. He was extremely harsh in his criticisms of Stalin due to his involvement in the Georgian Affair and his recent rudeness to his wife, Krupskaya.
How was Lenin’s testament handled?
The Triumverate managed to convince their colleagues not to have it read out - containing the political damage it would have caused. Instead it became a dark secret of the political undergrowth that was used as ammunition during the power struggle.
