November 1879 in Yanovka, Ukraine, then part of
Russia. His father was a prosperous Jewish farmer.
Trotsky became involved in underground activities as a
teenager. He was soon arrested, jailed and exiled to
Siberia where he joined the Social Democratic Party.
Eventually, he escaped Siberia and spent the majority
of the next 15 years abroad, including a spell in London.
Stalin; Stalin was born Ioseb Besarionis dze Jughashvili on 18
December 1878 but later adopted the name of Stalin –
which in Russia means man of steel.In his early life, he
was drawn Communist ideology and became involved
in robberies and violence against Tsarist sympathisers.
Stalin was frequently captured and sent to Siberia, but,
he managed to escape.In 1917, Stalin played a key role
in the Russian revolution he gained control over the
party newspaper Pravda and helped Lenin to escape to
Finland. Stalin was one of the five member politburo
whom Lenin appointed in the Russian civil war against
anti-Bolshevik policies.Stalin frequently clashed
with Leon Trotsky and Stalin advocated harsh measures
to ensure discipline and loyalty.In 1922, Lenin fell ill
and Stalin became one of the main links between Lenin
and the outside world. Lenin became increasingly
distrustful of Stalin, disliking his arrogance and love of
power. In Lenin’s testimony he wanted Stalin removed
from power. However, with great skill Stalin formed
alliance’s with other key Communist party members,
He outmanoeuvred Trotsky and had him expelled from
the Soviet Union.On the death of Lenin, Stalin was able
to assume the position as leader of the Soviet Union.
He quickly strove to consolidate his power removing
anyone he suspected of being disloyal.
Kamenev; Kamenev was born in Moscow on July 16th 1883.
Both his parents had been involved in radical politics
so it was not unusual when Kamenev himself drifted
in that direction when he joined the Social
Democratic Party in 1901. His reputation for siding
with radicalism initially stopped him from getting
into university but the government gradually
relented and he was allowed to study Law at
Moscow University. However, Kamenev was thrown
out of university after serving time in prison for