Historical Encyclopedia
Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, real name Ulyanov, was born on April 22, 1870, in Simbirsk. He became one of the most influential figures of the 20th century and the founder of the Soviet Union. Lenin was a theorist of Marxism and a practical revolutionary, which made him a key figure in world history.
Lenin grew up in an intelligentsia family. His father, a gymnasium director, died when Lenin was only 16 years old. This event deeply influenced his worldview. In 1887, after the execution of his older brother, who was involved in an assassination attempt on Tsar Alexander III, Lenin began to take an interest in revolutionary ideas.
Lenin enrolled in the law faculty of Kazan University but was expelled for participating in student riots. After that, he continued his education independently and soon became an active participant in the revolutionary movement. In 1893, he moved to St. Petersburg, where he joined a Marxist group.
Lenin became one of the leading Marxists in Russia and founded the newspaper "Iskra." He developed ideas about the necessity of a professional revolutionary party, which distinguished him from other socialists of the time. In 1903, at the II Congress of the RSDLP, a split occurred between the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks, and Lenin headed the first group.
In March 1917, after the February Revolution, Lenin was in exile. However, he soon returned to Russia. On November 7, 1917 (October 25 of the new style), the October Revolution took place, resulting in the Bolsheviks seizing power. Lenin became the head of the new government.
Lenin faced numerous economic problems, including food shortages and the collapse of industry. In 1918, he introduced War Communism, which included the nationalization of all enterprises and strict control over the distribution of resources. However, this led to discontent and resistance among the population.
In 1921, Lenin introduced the New Economic Policy (NEP), which allowed private initiatives and restored market relations. This decision contributed to the economic recovery of the country, but also drew criticism from more radical elements of the party.
Lenin died on January 21, 1924, at the age of 53. His ideas and practices had a significant impact on the development of the socialist and communist movement worldwide. After his death, his body was embalmed and placed in a mausoleum in Red Square in Moscow, which became a symbol of his cult of personality.
Lenin left behind a legacy that continued in the form of the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991. His ideas on class struggle, the dictatorship of the proletariat, and the building of socialism became the foundation for many countries trying to follow his example.
Vladimir Lenin remains one of the most controversial and studied figures in history. His life and activity continue to provoke interest and debate, and his ideas remain relevant to many researchers and politicians worldwide.