Trotsky
History: KS3, topic 17.4.4
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
- Trotsky had been in the USA.
- In May 1917, he returned to Russia (after the February Revolution).
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
- 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
- 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'
- 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.
Test yourself on Trotsky
What was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?
What was Trotsky's role in the Red Army?