The lecture discusses the relationship between Lenin and Stalin, focusing on documents and statements by Maria Ulyanova, Lenin's sister.
These documents were first published in the USSR in 1989 during perestroika.
Yu Murin and V. Stepanov prepared these for publication, providing context from a 1926 joint plenum of the Central Committee and Central Control Commission of the A-UCP(b).
Context of Discussion
The opposition, including Trotsky and Zinoviev, accused the Central Committee (CC) of hiding Lenin's letters.
Lenin's letters critiqued party leaders and were used against Stalin by the opposition.
Ulyanova's statements were created to clarify Lenin's relationship with Stalin and were appended to the plenum's stenographic report.
Key Points from Maria Ulyanova's Statements
First Statement:
Denies any rupture between Lenin and Stalin.
Asserts closeness between Lenin and Stalin, both politically and personally.
Highlights Stalin's frequent visits and intimate tasks assigned by Lenin during his illness.
Second Statement:
Delves deeper into personal and political relations between Lenin and Stalin.
Stalin valued for his organization and work ethic.
Lenin trusted Stalin with intimate matters, including a request for potassium cyanide if he became paralyzed.
Incident with Nadezhda Krupskaya
Stalin criticized Krupskaya for discussing politics with Lenin against doctors' orders.
Led to Lenin demanding an apology from Stalin.
Event highlighted as personal rather than political.
Differences between Lenin and Stalin
Lenin criticized Stalin's approach to the nationalities and Caucasian questions.
Lenin was dissatisfied with Stalin’s refusal to send money to the Menshevik Martov.
Despite political disagreement, Lenin still valued Stalin’s role as a practical worker.
Stalin's Rebuttal
Stalin's response to Lenin's demand for an apology shows misunderstanding rather than malice.
He maintained his duty was to protect Lenin's health as per doctor's instructions.
Conclusion
Lenin's opinion on Stalin was complex, valuing his work but wary of his behavior.
Documents suggest Lenin wanted Stalin removed from the position of general secretary, which was not widely distributed.
The lecture provides a nuanced view of their relationship, countering Western narratives about Trotsky being closer to Lenin.
Additional Notes
The lecture contextualizes historical narratives and personal dynamics within Soviet leadership.
It challenges previously held notions about Lenin and Stalin's relationship, suggesting more personal closeness than typically acknowledged.