Trotsky

Definition

Leon Trotsky was a prominent Marxist revolutionary and theorist who played a key role in the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the early Soviet state. He was a leading figure in the Bolshevik Party and served as the People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs and later as the commander of the Red Army. His ideas on permanent revolution and opposition to Stalin's policies would ultimately lead to his exile and assassination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Trotsky was instrumental in organizing the October Revolution in 1917, which led to the Bolsheviks seizing power in Russia.
2. He created the Red Army and played a crucial role in its victory during the Russian Civil War (1917-1922), establishing a formidable military force for the Bolshevik regime.
3. After falling out of favor with Stalin, Trotsky was expelled from the Soviet Union in 1929 and lived in various countries before settling in Mexico.
4. Trotsky was an advocate for international revolution and criticized Stalin's focus on building socialism in one country as a betrayal of Marxist principles.
5. He was assassinated by a Soviet agent in Mexico City in 1940, marking the end of his life but solidifying his legacy as a martyr for the international communist movement.

Review Questions

• How did Trotsky's ideas about permanent revolution differ from Stalin's approach to socialism?
  • Trotsky's concept of permanent revolution argued that socialist revolutions should be pursued continuously across nations to ensure global success, emphasizing the need for international cooperation among workers. In contrast, Stalin promoted socialism in one country, focusing on strengthening and consolidating socialism within the Soviet Union before spreading it elsewhere. This fundamental ideological split not only caused a rift between Trotsky and Stalin but also led to significant consequences for Soviet policy and international communism.
• Discuss Trotsky's role during the Russian Civil War and how his leadership influenced the outcome of this conflict.
  • During the Russian Civil War, Trotsky served as the commander of the Red Army and implemented strategies that proved vital to the Bolsheviks' success. He organized military campaigns, improved troop morale, and instilled discipline within the ranks, transforming a poorly equipped force into a formidable army. His leadership not only secured victory for the Bolsheviks against various anti-Bolshevik factions but also established a strong military foundation for the nascent Soviet state.
• Evaluate Trotsky's legacy and its implications for future communist movements after his death.
  • Trotsky's legacy is marked by his vision of international socialism and his critiques of Stalinism, which resonated with many leftist movements worldwide after his assassination. His ideas about permanent revolution continued to influence various revolutionary groups that sought to challenge Stalinist orthodoxy and advocate for a more democratic form of socialism. Additionally, Trotsky became a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism within communism, inspiring future generations of activists who viewed his struggle against Stalin as emblematic of broader battles for political freedom and social justice.

Related terms

Bolshevik Party: A faction of the Marxist Russian Social Democratic Labour Party that, under Trotsky and Lenin, led the October Revolution in 1917 and established the Soviet government.

Permanent Revolution: Trotsky's theory that the socialist revolution must continue indefinitely beyond national borders, emphasizing international solidarity among the working class.

Stalinism:

The political system and policies associated with Joseph Stalin, characterized by authoritarianism, state control of the economy, and suppression of political dissent, which stood in contrast to Trotsky's ideas.