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Leon Trotsky

Alongside Lenin, Leon Trotsky was one of the most significant Russian revolutionaries in the early years of the Soviet Union.

Leon Trotsky's Return

Leon Trotsky's Return

  • Trotsky had been in the USA.
  • In May 1917, he returned to Russia (after the February Revolution).
Petrograd Soviet

Petrograd Soviet

  • Trotsky chaired the Petrograd Soviet (workers' council) through to the October Revolution.
  • This gave Trotsky a great deal of power in the battle between the Bolsheviks and the Provisional Government.
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

  • Trotsky was responsible for foreign affairs when Russia withdrew from the war.
  • Trotsky negotiated the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, the agreement which brought Russia out of the war.
The Red Army

The Red Army

  • Trotsky's main role in the revolution and the Civil War was as Commissar for War.
  • In this role, Trotsky was responsible for the Red Army.
'Permanent Revolution'

'Permanent Revolution'

  • Trotsky believed in 'permanent revolution'.
  • Trotsky thought the Bolsheviks should use instability around the world to spark revolutions elsewhere.
  • This brought Trotsky into conflict with Stalin.
  • Stalin believed in 'Socialism in One Country'.
    • This meant securing the Bolsheviks position in Russia first.
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