Lenin's Testament

Question 1

When was the testament written?

Answer 1

1 year before Lenin’s death in 1924

Question 2

What was the testament referred to as?

Answer 2

“Political will”

Question 3

Who was it addressed to?

Answer 3

Central Committee

Question 4

What was the aim of the testament?

Answer 4

It was highly critical of the contenders for leadership

Question 5

What was the argument for Lenin’s harsh criticism’s of the contenders?

Answer 5

He wanted to promote collective leadership

Question 6

What were the criticisms of Stalin?

Answer 6

Lenin was particularly harsh on Stalin because of his actions in crushing opposition in Georgia (which he claimed was as a result of a popular uprising) and his insults towards Lenin’s wife Krupskaya when she refused his request to speak to Lenin after he found out he was holding talks with Trotsky about the future. Lenin’s words were “lies and rudeness”

Question 7

What were Lenin’s criticisms of other contenders?

Answer 7

Viewed Trotsky as arrogant
Zinoviev and Kamenev were disloyal
Bukharin did not fully understand the Lenin ideology

Question 8

What was the impact of the testament?

Answer 8

Could have caused major damage if read out at 1924 congress but Kamenev, Zinoviev and Stalin persuaded colleagues not to read it out as they did not want to damage their political image, instead it remained a dangerous secret