Replies

I remember that name from my Americanism vs communism classes in High School. That was before the communists absorbed the public education of our schools. I think he was the guy the communists claimed would have made communism successful.

Trotsky worked side-by-side with Lenin. He was a very bright fellow, and part of the revolution from the beginning. After the revolution was ‘successful’, and power was consolidated, Trotsky and Stalin where rivals. Trotsky made the strategic error of making Stalin Secretary of the Communist Party. He thought that would get him out of the way, but just the opposite happen, as Stalin use the position to consolidate his power. As Secretary, he controlled communication, and over time secretly gained loyalty from the various players. By the time that Trotsky realized his mistake, it was too late! There was a big struggle, and Stalin was ruthless, murdering anyone who opposed him. Trotsky was forced to flee Russia, and eventually made his was to Mexico. He lived in exile for a while, trying to organize a comeback, but was assissinated with an axe into his skull.
That's the short story as I remember it now.