During the beginning of the 20th century, conditions in Russia were quite auspicious for a Bolshevik Revolution after the fall of the Tsar and the Provisional Government’s shaky control over the state; however, numerous opposition, economic crises, social unrest, and political chaos still posed threats to the Bolshevik revolution. Although Vladimir Lenin was the ultimate revolutionary thinker and director behind the Bolsheviks’ ideology and courses of action, it is indisputable that Leon Trotsky took charge of implementing Lenin’s ideas. Furthermore, while during the rise to power of the Bolshevik, Lenin was arguably more essential to the party, during the consolidation of power Trotsky played a larger role arranging the treaty of Brest-Litovsk, commanding the Red Army, and fighting the Civil War. As a result, although both figures were essential to the success of the Bolshevik party, after throughout examination of Lenin and Trotsky’s accomplishments during the pre-revolution period, the consolidation of power period, and foreign policies, it is evident that…
While it was arguable that Lenin’s initiation and directing of the Bolshevik revolution in July and October were most significant in the party’s success, one can clearly observe that, due to numerous oppositions against the party, Trotsky’s role of commanding the Bolshevik army during the rise to power of the party was also extremely important. Without Lenin’s opportunistic act of acquiring money from Germany and return to Russia, a successful second Bolshevik revolution would not have been achieved; therefore, Lenin played a crucial role in organizing the October/November revolution even though his revolution in July failed. Furthermore, it is justified to argue that Lenin’s April Theses has laid the foundation for support for the Bolshevik party in Russia, as historian White has commented, “The policies Lenin set out in the April Theses were the basis on which the Bolsheviks were able to increase their strength in the spring and early summer of 1917. Although both Trotsky and Lenin supported a second revolution despite the opposition from other members of the party, it was Lenin who took the initiative and directly inspired the revolution with his slogan, “All power to the Soviets!” Nevertheless, Trotsky was also essential to the Bolshevik party’s success, for he was implemental to the military aspect during the revolution. By September 1917, German troops were advancing on Petrograd, and the isolated Provisional Government was increasingly powerless to instruct Russian troops – thus Trotsky deployed the Red Guards to protect Petrograd; these actions showed a strength and promise in the Bolsheviks that was not present in the weakened Provisional Government. Trotsky went on to seize key factories and buildings, thus surrounding the Provisional Government. After the Revolution, Trotsky was credited for securing the Bolshevik party’s position after the uprising in November by repelling attacks from oppositions; therefore, although Lenin’s role of directing the direction of the Bolshevik party during the revolution was the most significant, Trotsky’ role of commanding the Bolshevik armed forces and implementing plans were also very important. Overall, while historian Whites was accurate to comment that, “Without Lenin there would have been no October Revolution”, for Lenin was the ultimate leader of the Bolshevik party, Trotsky had played an essential role implementing Lenin’s directions, especially in the military aspect.
