Chapter 32 - The Soviet Union - 1918-1929 (European States)
Lenin's Last Testament: The Power Struggle Unveiled
Table of content
Fun Introduction 🎉
Hey there, future history buff! Ever been stuck in a group project where you're wondering who'll take charge once the group leader is gone? The Soviet Union's leadership battle after Lenin was a bit like that... but on a much bigger scale and with way more intrigue! 🕵️♂️
Significance of Lenin's Declining Health 🌟
- 1921-1924: Lenin's health 🤒 goes downhill due to multiple strokes.
- This illness creates a power vacuum, with key members like Stalin, Kamenev, Zinoviev positioning themselves for leadership.
- December 1922: 💌 Lenin writes a letter (known as his political testament) to the Politburo, outlining concerns about the Central Committee and critiquing potential successors, especially Stalin.
🌍 Real-world example: Imagine a CEO of a big company getting sick and writing a letter about who should or shouldn't succeed him. Drama! 🍿
Stalin's Opportunistic Rise 🔥
- Lenin's Death: Lenin passed away on 21 January 1924.
- Stalin's Move: Stalin quickly became the central mourner at Lenin's funeral, portraying himself as Lenin's rightful successor.
- Trotsky's Absence: Due to a mix-up (or deliberate misinformation by Stalin), Trotsky missed the funeral, making him look bad.
- Lenin's 'Testament' Problem: Lenin's testament could've ruined Stalin's chances, but it wasn’t read aloud at the Party Congress because it criticized many, not just Stalin. Plus, party members felt Stalin had "improved" himself since the letter.
🌍 Real-world example: Remember when the substitute teacher left notes about the class? It's like if the class decided to ignore the notes because everyone was on it! 🤫
Unlock the Full Content! 
Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of History HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟
Chapter 32 - The Soviet Union - 1918-1929 (European States)
Lenin's Last Testament: The Power Struggle Unveiled
Table of content
Fun Introduction 🎉
Hey there, future history buff! Ever been stuck in a group project where you're wondering who'll take charge once the group leader is gone? The Soviet Union's leadership battle after Lenin was a bit like that... but on a much bigger scale and with way more intrigue! 🕵️♂️
Significance of Lenin's Declining Health 🌟
- 1921-1924: Lenin's health 🤒 goes downhill due to multiple strokes.
- This illness creates a power vacuum, with key members like Stalin, Kamenev, Zinoviev positioning themselves for leadership.
- December 1922: 💌 Lenin writes a letter (known as his political testament) to the Politburo, outlining concerns about the Central Committee and critiquing potential successors, especially Stalin.
🌍 Real-world example: Imagine a CEO of a big company getting sick and writing a letter about who should or shouldn't succeed him. Drama! 🍿
Stalin's Opportunistic Rise 🔥
- Lenin's Death: Lenin passed away on 21 January 1924.
- Stalin's Move: Stalin quickly became the central mourner at Lenin's funeral, portraying himself as Lenin's rightful successor.
- Trotsky's Absence: Due to a mix-up (or deliberate misinformation by Stalin), Trotsky missed the funeral, making him look bad.
- Lenin's 'Testament' Problem: Lenin's testament could've ruined Stalin's chances, but it wasn’t read aloud at the Party Congress because it criticized many, not just Stalin. Plus, party members felt Stalin had "improved" himself since the letter.
🌍 Real-world example: Remember when the substitute teacher left notes about the class? It's like if the class decided to ignore the notes because everyone was on it! 🤫
Unlock the Full Content!
Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of History HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟