Evaluate Trotsky S Role As a Key Figure in the Communist Movement During This Period

Evaluate Trotsky’s role as a key figure in the communist movement. Was he primarily a practical revolutionary or a naïve idealist?

Leon Trotsky made a significant contribution to the communist movement of the 20th century, in both theory and practice. He proved himself to be a practical revolutionary in most of the activities he undertook and in many of the policies he espoused. However, he was also politically inept, and his naïve and uncompromising idealism contributed to his downfall.

· Trotsky’s skills as a leader were first demonstrated during the 1905 Revolution.

· He next came to prominence in 1917, when he joined forces with Lenin to lead the November Revolution. His contribution was critical, for it was he who planned and took charge of the insurrection.

· Once in power, Trotsky was given the task of negotiating the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. This gave away much of Russia’s land, but allowed the Bolsheviks to honour their promise of land, bread and peace. The fact that he was willing to implement such a compromise, despite his own personal objections, is evidence that he was indeed a practical revolutionary.

· Trotsky was hen given the job of winning the Civil War. As Commissar for War, he introduced conscription, and built the Red Army up to 5 million men. He who devised the strategy for victory, and he who put that strategy into effect.

· When the Kronstadt Garrison mutinied in 1921, Trotsky was forced to choose between his principles and loyalty to Lenin and the Party. He chose the latter, leading the Red Army in a brutal attack. In so doing, he demonstrated his willingness to place practical considerations ahead of political ideals.

· Trotsky was unsurpassed as an academic and an organiser, but he had few political skills. Hence, when Lenin died in 1924, he failed to consolidate his power. He could have made Lenin’s Testament public, but idealism and naivety stayed his hand. Instead, he debated Stalin on matters of policy, politics and ideology, and was defeated on every front (NEP, democracy within the Party and Permanent Revolution).

· Stalin denounced Trotsky as a naïve idealist who was unfit for high office. By 1925, Trotsky had been forced from power, then from the USSR itself.

Hence, it can be seen that Trotsky was both a practical revolutionary and an idealist. He was also politically naïve, and it was this crucial flaw which led to his demise.