Leon Trotsky

Definition

Leon Trotsky was a Marxist revolutionary and theorist, key figure in the Bolshevik movement, and one of the leaders of the October Revolution in 1917. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the Red Army and was instrumental in the early years of the Soviet state. Trotsky's ideas and opposition to Stalin's policies later led to his expulsion from the Communist Party and eventual assassination in 1940.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Trotsky was initially a key ally of Vladimir Lenin, helping to lead the Bolsheviks to victory during the October Revolution.
2. As the People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs, he negotiated peace with Germany in 1918, ending Russia's involvement in World War I.
3. Trotsky was a principal architect of the Red Army, effectively organizing and leading it during the Russian Civil War against anti-Bolshevik forces.
4. His ideological conflict with Joseph Stalin led to Trotsky being ousted from power in 1927, after which he lived in exile for most of his life.
5. Trotsky was assassinated in Mexico City by an agent of Stalin in 1940, marking a violent end to his opposition against Stalin's regime.

Review Questions

• How did Leon Trotsky contribute to the success of the Bolshevik Revolution?
  • Leon Trotsky played a pivotal role in the success of the Bolshevik Revolution by serving as one of its leading figures. He was a master orator and strategist, effectively organizing key events such as the storming of the Winter Palace. His leadership helped galvanize support for the Bolsheviks, ultimately enabling them to seize power in October 1917. Additionally, Trotsky's role as head of the Red Army during the ensuing Civil War solidified his influence within the newly formed Soviet government.
• Discuss Trotsky's views on socialism and how they differed from those of Stalin after Lenin's death.
  • Trotsky believed in the theory of Permanent Revolution, arguing that socialism could not thrive solely within Russia and required an international revolution to succeed. In contrast, Stalin advocated for 'Socialism in One Country,' focusing on strengthening Soviet power without immediate international revolutions. This fundamental disagreement created a deep ideological rift between Trotsky and Stalin, leading to Trotsky’s eventual expulsion from power and exile as Stalin consolidated control over the Communist Party.
• Evaluate the impact of Trotsky’s assassination on both Soviet politics and international socialist movements.
  • Trotsky’s assassination had significant repercussions for Soviet politics, as it eliminated one of Stalin's most formidable opponents, thereby allowing Stalin to further entrench his authoritarian rule without challenge. It also served as a warning to other dissenters within the Communist Party who might oppose Stalin's policies. Internationally, Trotsky’s death symbolized the violent suppression of revolutionary ideals that contradicted Stalinist doctrine, which alienated some leftist groups who had looked up to him as a leader advocating for true Marxist principles. This contributed to divisions within socialist movements worldwide, affecting their unity and direction for decades.

Related terms

Bolshevik: A faction of the Marxist Russian Social Democratic Labor Party that led the October Revolution and eventually became the ruling party of the Soviet Union.

Red Army: The military organization established by the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War, which played a vital role in securing Bolshevik power.

Permanent Revolution: Trotsky's theory that socialism could not succeed in a single country alone and that revolution should be an ongoing international process.