Vladimir Lenin

Vladimir Lenin was a Russian communist revolutionary and politician whose actions shaped the fate of Russia. He toppled the centuries-old tsarist regime to lead the proletariat to victory during the Russian Revolution, becoming a legendary figure for the people of Russia in the process. However, it is difficult to separate fact from fiction, as Lenin became surrounded by a cult of personality after his rise to power. In just 50 minutes, you will find out how Lenin’s actions shaped events in his country for decades to come and understand how he implemented his own interpretation of communism in Russia.

This straightforward and informative book provides a thorough discussion of the key moments in Lenin’s political career, including the February Revolution, the October Revolution and the creation of the Soviet Union. It also features a full biography, a valuable introduction to the political, social and economic context and an evaluation of the impact of his leadership, giving you all the essential information about the first leader of the Soviet Union.

About Vladimir Lenin

Vladimir Lenin, born Vladimir Ilich Ulyanov, was the son of an aristocrat: not exactly the kind of man expected to lead a revolution. However, after his brother was executed in 1887, Lenin turned to revolutionary socialism; during his studies at Kazan Imperial University he went to secret Marxist meetings and planned to change the fabric of Russian society for good. His name supposedly comes from the time he spent in exile near the River Lena.

This clear and accessible 45-page book is structured as follows:

• Introduction to Vladimir Lenin
• Biography of Lenin
  • The Ulyanovs, from peasantry to nobility
  • Kalmyk origins
  • Kazan Imperial University
  • The discovery of Marxist theories
  • Break with Marxism
• Context
  • Nicholas II’s autocracy: absolutism called into question
  • The Great War
  • An unusual economic and political situation
  • Russia shaken by revolutions
• Highlights
  • The revolutionary
  • The hero of the Russian Revolution
• Lenin’s work and legacy
  • Unprecedented communist policies
  • A shaken cultural and social landscape
  • Russian centralism
  • The creation of the USSR and the rise of Stalin
  • Cult of personality
• Summary