Lenin, Vladimir Illich (1870-1924) and Leon Trotsky (1879-1940) were the two most significant figures in the creation of Socialist Russia. Both Lenin and Trotsky were exceptionally talented political figures. Firstly, they were both outstanding leaders and remarkable theorists. They mesmerized masses with their speeches and persuaded politicians into giving their support. With the effective leadership of Trotsky and Lenin the Bolsheviks successfully overthrew the Provisional government, made peace at the fronts, won the Civil War, were able to consolidate their rule over Russia and established the USSR.

During the revolution of February 1917 neither Trotsky nor Lenin were in Russia and played no major role in the revolution. After the February revolutions in 1917 both Lenin and Trotsky hurried back to Russia. At this time Trotsky was a Menshevik and Lenin was a Bolshevik. The Bolsheviks believed an elite well-trained group should lead the revolution, while the Mensheviks believed that...