Assess the role of Trotsky in the Russian Revolution and afterwards.

Trotsky played a pivotal role in the Russian Revolution and its aftermath, serving as a key leader and strategist.

Leon Trotsky, born Lev Davidovich Bronstein, was a significant figure in the Russian Revolution of 1917. He was a member of the Bolshevik Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, and played a crucial role in planning and executing the revolution. Trotsky's role in the revolution was multifaceted, encompassing leadership, strategy, and diplomacy.

Trotsky was instrumental in the formation of the Red Army, which was vital in the Bolsheviks' seizure of power. He was appointed as the People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs and used his position to build and organise the Red Army. His leadership was crucial during the Russian Civil War, where he led the Red Army to victory against the White Army. Trotsky's organisational skills and strategic acumen were key to the success of the Bolsheviks during this period.

In addition to his military role, Trotsky was also a key political figure. He was a member of the Bolshevik Central Committee and was involved in the negotiations for the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, which ended Russia's involvement in World War I. Trotsky's political influence was significant, and he was seen as a potential successor to Lenin.

However, Trotsky's role in the aftermath of the revolution was less successful. After Lenin's death in 1924, Trotsky was outmanoeuvred by Joseph Stalin in the struggle for power. Trotsky was eventually expelled from the Communist Party in 1927 and exiled from the Soviet Union in 1929. Despite this, he continued to influence global politics through his writings and his formation of the Fourth International, a global organisation of Trotskyist parties.

In conclusion, Trotsky's role in the Russian Revolution and its aftermath was significant. He was a key leader and strategist during the revolution and the subsequent civil war. However, his political influence waned in the years following the revolution, leading to his eventual exile. Despite this, Trotsky's impact on the Russian Revolution and the formation of the Soviet Union is undeniable.