Biography of Lon Trotsky Essay - 1070 Words

Leon Trotsky (1879-1940) was a Russian Marxist politician and revolutionary in the early 20th century. His contribution to Soviet Russia was immense through his practice of Marxist and Trotskyist theory for Russia and the world. His rise to prominence in the Soviet Union was characterized by his work and partnership with Lenin. Trotsky’s most significant accomplishments included his leadership of the Red Army and success in the February Revolution, which consolidated Bolshevik power. Trotsky’s ‘talent’ and ability’ was undoubted, however, it was insufficient to attain leadership of the Soviet Union. Following the death of Lenin, Lenin’s Testament confirmed Trotsky as the rightful successor, although his power struggle with Stalin resulted†¦show more content†¦Ultimately, ‘this had brought together two revolutionary leaders, committed to the overthrow of capitalism’ (Christian) and the Tsarist autocracy in Russia. This par tnership between Lenin and Trotsky was imperative, as Lenin had viewed Trotsky as a valuable and vital asset to the revolution, where his leadership, ‘talent’ and ‘ability’ would play a major role. Trotsky’s involvement in the 1917 revolution was of utmost significance to Bolshevik success. With Lenin in exile in Finland, Trotsky became the public face of Bolshevism. Trotsky’s leadership of the Soviet demonstrated his distinct skills, which became essential to the success of the revolution. His formation, recruiting, disciplining and arming of the Red Guard became a significant factor to the movement. It had amassed to over 200,000 militants by October. Additionally Trotsky’s arranging of the Soviet, placing Bolshevik delegates in power, allowed the Bolsheviks to organize the Military Revolutionary committee. Isaac Deutscher commends Trotsky for his brilliant Military organization and leadership of the revolution. Furthermore, he recog nizes Trotsky as the key to the success of the revolution as Lenin was in exile. However, from Richard’s Pipe’s perspective, Trotsky’s role in the Revolution