What happens when a corrupt leader dies or is replaced?

The outcome depends upon the government in place, the temperament of the next ruler, and the power of the people. When Lenin (Russia) died, Stalin was the next ruler. He ruled in a similar manner and in many ways was harsher than Lenin.

If you look back to France and the French Revolution you will find that the people began to educate themselves and once they were aware that they were being mistreated by their leaders, they killed the leaders in place at that time.