Testament to a Revolution

Abstract

Dispute is basic to politics. But discussions among ambitious and even vengeful leaders are often softened by the knowledge that a common will needs to be displayed to society. This is especially necessary for a dictatorial élite. The risk of opposition increases if the general public perceives that the leaders are divided. Prominent Bolsheviks were not unusual in trying to hide away the altercations among themselves. By and large they had succeeded since the Tenth Party Congress. Most people knew next to nothing about the Bolshevik wrangling about the New Economic Policy; and the rumours about dissension in the party, which had came to the ears of those observers with friends in the party’s higher échelons, were dying down. The display of unity at the Eleventh Party Congress reinforced the image of a unified central leadership.