Leon Trotsky
Leon Trotsky was an important and influential individual that followed ideas of Marxism and urged for a Marxist society in Russia. His first significant actions took place during the Russian Revolution of 1905. Leon Trotsky wrote and published many articles that influenced uprisings, revolutionary feelings and challenged the Czar’s power. People started to have different views on revolution and his writings were able to influence the revolutionary activity taken place. Trotsky became a leader of the Russian revolution and although it failed, his ideas of Marxist Russia were spread and set the stage for the Russian Revolution in 1917. From this revolution, Trotsky was arrested and exiled to Siberia. He spent much of WWI wandering about in exile. As soon as Czar Nicholas II was overthrown, he headed back to Russia for further revolutionary movements. He joined the Bolshevik party and became united with Lenin. He was an active leader of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and soon after this revolution Lenin became leader of the newly created Soviet government. Trotsky was right behind Lenin for power and would eventually try to gain Lenin’s role. As of now in WWI Trotsky was dealing with foreign affairs and naval forces. As soon as Lenin died, Trotsky was the obvious choice and was appointed by Lenin to be his successor. However, he was pushed aside by the overpowering Stalin and was even forced out of his important role he already had. Trotsky was exiled far away by Stalin and removed from the Soviet Union. Trotsky continued the rest of his life to criticize Stalin and was convicted of plotting against Stalin’s rule. Trotsky was assassinated by Soviets sent by Stalin. Trotsky had all good intentions but Stalin’s search and thrive for power were too intense to compete with Trotsky. Despite his assassination, Trotsky was able to lead many revolutionary movements that changed Russia’s government forever and his writings were able to influence the choices made by many individuals.