Leon Trotsky and the Russian Revolution

Calls for the re-unification of the Bolsheviks & Mensheviks

Calls for the re-unification of the Bolsheviks & Mensheviks. Calls for an end to the war & for revolution

Calls for the re-unification of the Bolsheviks & Mensheviks

Trotsky leaves exile in New York to return to Russia

Speaks for a more radical Soviet policy.

Warns radicals that an isolated uprising would be dangerous.

Workers and soldiers in Petrograd demand the Soviet takes power, sporadic fighting results and the Soviet restores order with troops brought back from the front, Trotsky is arrested & Lenin goes into hiding

Protects Chernov from hostile sailors during the crisis.

Intervenes to protect Chernov from enraged demonstrators.

Urges demonstrators not to provoke isolated confrontation.

Defends the movement while opposing reckless confrontation.

Remains in Petrograd as arrests of Bolsheviks begin.

Condemns slanders against Lenin and the Bolsheviks.

Challenges the accusation that Bolshevik leaders are German agents.

Is increasingly targeted by the authorities after defending Lenin.

Workers and soldiers demand Soviet power as Trotsky supports restraint.

This record states: Both Trotsky and Zinoviev argued that the street protests remain peaceful so the Bolshevik Military Organisation organize the demonstration.

This record states: Coming out in support of the street demonstrations.

This record states: Mobilizing reinforcements from the front lines and dispatching armored cars to capture key posts including bridges and the Peter and Paul Fortress.

This record states: Under the pressure of what seemed like a developing mass demonstration of workers and soldiers in the streets, the leadership of the Bolshevik Military Organisation, the Petersburg Committee and later on the Central Committee, reversed their decision.

This record states: Both Trotsky and Zinoviev argued that the street protests remain peaceful so the Bolshevik Military Organisation organize the demonstration.

This record states: Coming out in support of the street demonstrations.

This record states: Mobilizing reinforcements from the front lines and dispatching armored cars to capture key posts including bridges and the Peter and Paul Fortress.

This record states: Under the pressure of what seemed like a developing mass demonstration of workers and soldiers in the streets, the leadership of the Bolshevik Military Organisation, the Petersburg Committee and later on the Central Committee, reversed their decision.

Bolshevik leaders reverse course and support the mass demonstrations.

Trotsky argues that street protests should remain peaceful and disciplined.

Trotsky supports Central Committee efforts to restrain the movement.

Under the pressure of what seemed like a developing mass demonstration of workers and soldiers in the streets, the leadership of the Bolshevik Military Organisation, the Petersburg Committee and later on the Central Committee, reversed their decision, coming out in support of the street demonstrations

Is arrested after defending the Bolsheviks.

Is released as Bolsheviks gain prestige after the crisis.

Is elected chairman after the Bolshevik majority grows.

Is elected chairman of the Petrograd Soviet.

Replaces moderate leadership as Bolshevik strength grows.

Helps create the committee under Petrograd Soviet authority.

Appointed President of the Military Revolutionary Committee

The Soviet claims authority over the Petrograd garrison during the crisis.

Claims authority over Petrograd garrison orders through the Soviet.

Uses Soviet authority to shield Bolshevik preparations.

The Soviet provides organisational support for preparations before the uprising.

Announces that the Provisional Government has been overthrown.

Trotsky uses the Petrograd Soviet as a base for revolutionary action.

Trotsky presides as Soviet delegates approve the transfer of power.

Uses the Soviet as a base for new Bolshevik authority.

The Petrograd Soviet becomes a foundation of the new revolutionary government.

Trotsky helps organise Soviet resistance against the advance of Krasnov's Cossack forces.

The Petrograd Soviet strengthens its military organisation after the failure of the Kerensky-Krasnov advance.

Helps defend Petrograd from Kerensky-Krasnov forces.

The Petrograd Soviet becomes central to Bolshevik political authority.

Appointed Head of the Supply Commission, responsible for food for the cities. Appointed Head of the Extraordinary Commission for Supply

The Czech legion refuses to surrender arms & Trotsky orders it to be disarmed by force

Orders the death penalty for "bagmen" of foodstuffs