Lenin wanted the testament to be read out at the XII Party Conference in April 1923. Only weeks prior to the conference however, Lenin suffered his third stroke and was left paralyzed. The testament was never revealed to his fellow Bolsheviks as his loyal wife Krupskaya believed that her beloved husband and fellow revolutionary would eventually recover . As a consequence, Joseph Stalin, the man whom Lenin would loath the most during his final months, was able to suceed Lenin upon his death the following January.
Thus, this leads to the question, what if Krupskaya had indeed revealed her husband's testament to the Bolsheviks at the XII Party Conference. Would Leon Trotsky, despite his firm belief in the "permant revolution" suceed in the ensuing power struggle? And if so, how would Trotsky's leadership effect the course of not only Soviet but 20th century history? Or would Stalin, through his alliance with Kamenev and Zinoviev somehow prevail in height of Lenin's damning attack?
Thus, this leads to the question, what if Krupskaya had indeed revealed her husband's testament to the Bolsheviks at the XII Party Conference. Would Leon Trotsky, despite his firm belief in the "permant revolution" suceed in the ensuing power struggle? And if so, how would Trotsky's leadership effect the course of not only Soviet but 20th century history? Or would Stalin, through his alliance with Kamenev and Zinoviev somehow prevail in height of Lenin's damning attack?