Background and Early Life:
- Leon Trotsky was born on November 7, 1879, in Yanovka, Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire.
- He became involved in revolutionary politics from a young age and joined the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP) in 1898.
Role in the Bolshevik Revolution:
- Trotsky was a prominent member of the Menshevik faction within the RSDLP, which opposed the Bolshevik faction led by Vladimir Lenin.
- In 1917, during the Russian Revolution, he played a critical role as the President of the Petrograd Soviet, leading the Bolshevik takeover of power in the capital.
- He was also appointed People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs in Lenin's new government.
Trotsky's Theories:
- Trotsky developed several theories and concepts, including the theory of permanent revolution and the Red Army's concept of combined arms warfare.
- He argued that the socialist revolution in Russia must spread to more advanced capitalist countries to succeed.
Civil War and Red Army Leadership:
- During the Russian Civil War (1918-1921), Trotsky played a crucial role as the People's Commissar of War and the commander of the Red Army.
- He led the Red Army to victory against various anti-Bolshevik forces, securing the survival of the Soviet regime.
Conflict with Stalin and Exile:
- Following Lenin's death in 1924, Trotsky found himself at odds with Joseph Stalin, who was consolidating his power.
- In 1929, Trotsky was expelled from the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) and eventually deported from the country in 1929.
Later Life and Assassination:
- Trotsky lived in exile in Turkey, France, and Norway, continuing his political and intellectual activities.
- He published numerous writings, criticizing Stalin's policies and advocating for a return to genuine socialist ideals.
- On August 20, 1940, Trotsky was assassinated in Mexico City by an agent working for Stalin.
Leon Trotsky's life and contributions have left a lasting impact on Russian history and revolutionary thought. His legacy remains a subject of debate among historians and political commentators to this day.