The Power Vacuum and Power Struggle

Question	Answer
What was the result of Lenin's death in 1924?	A power vacuum was created
In Marxist-Leninist ideology, how was power meant to be distributed?	Power was meant to be shared by a collective leadership, not held by any single, dominating leader.
What ban was put in force in 1921 that cemented the idea of a leader who commanded the loyalty of the USSR?	A ban on factions.
What was "party democracy"?	Allowing dissent and debates within the inner circle of the party elite. They still wanted the dictatorship of the proletariat and the suppression of rival parties.
When had the power vacuum begin to emerge?	After Lenin's first stroke in 1922. He became incapacitated at this point.
What was the "Triumvirate"?	Zinoviev, Kamenev and Stalin formed a block to stop the ambitions of Trotsky.
When was the Triumvirate formed?	1922-3
What was Lenin's Testament?	Lenin's political will. It was made to try and guide the transition to a new leadership "from beyond the grave"
What did the Testament say?	Cast shadows of doubt over all the men who might hope to succeed him, such as Trotsky, Bukharin, Zinoviev and Kamenev. He was particularly harsh on Stalin
Why was Lenin particularly harsh on Stalin?	-Stalin's brutal actions in crushing opposition in Georgia. -Stalin had recently insulted Lenin's wife, Krupskaya
Why did the Testament never make an impact?	It was never released because Stalin, Zinoviev and Kamenev managed to persuade their colleagues to not publish the Testament.

Resource summary

	Created by Izzy Noone about 6 years ago