I’ve been mulling over an idea inspired by this thread:
https://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=171404
Stalin hid out in his dacha when the Nazis invaded. POD When the delegation from the government comes to ask him to take over, he thinks they’re there to arrest him so he shoots himself (unlikely I know, but there it is). The potential successors (I’m thinking Molotov/Beria but I don’t know for sure) decide that the country needs Stalin so they decide to use a double (did exist, but slightly later) and carry on as if nothing’s changed, at least until the immediate crisis is over. ‘Stalin’ can always request honourable retirement/die valiantly leading the glorious Red Army/just plain die when he’s outlived his usefulness. Reaction? The workers of the Soviet Union will of course believe the plain truth as given to them by their trustworthy government. Other countries are run by fascist butchers or lying imperialist oppressors so obviously their lies about Comrade Stalin won’t be believed.
Where are the holes in this idea? They must be there. I’ve been thinking it over but can’t find any that I don’t think can’t be dealt with.
https://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=171404
Stalin hid out in his dacha when the Nazis invaded. POD When the delegation from the government comes to ask him to take over, he thinks they’re there to arrest him so he shoots himself (unlikely I know, but there it is). The potential successors (I’m thinking Molotov/Beria but I don’t know for sure) decide that the country needs Stalin so they decide to use a double (did exist, but slightly later) and carry on as if nothing’s changed, at least until the immediate crisis is over. ‘Stalin’ can always request honourable retirement/die valiantly leading the glorious Red Army/just plain die when he’s outlived his usefulness. Reaction? The workers of the Soviet Union will of course believe the plain truth as given to them by their trustworthy government. Other countries are run by fascist butchers or lying imperialist oppressors so obviously their lies about Comrade Stalin won’t be believed.
Where are the holes in this idea? They must be there. I’ve been thinking it over but can’t find any that I don’t think can’t be dealt with.