Lenin, Vladimir Ilyich

Lenin, Vladimir Ilyich (1870-1924), Russian statesman.

Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, as Lenin was first called, grew up when Russia was ruled by Tsar Alexander III.

His elder brother, Alexander, plotted to kill the Tsar and was put to death.

Afterwards, Vladimir joined in plots against the Tsar. He changed his name to Lenin and became a Communist, and for many years lived in foreign countries.

Early in 1917, there was a revolution in Russia. Tsar Nicholas II was deposed and later killed. Before the year had ended, there was a second revolution and Lenin was made the leader of Russia.

More unrest followed, including a civil war from 1918-20. Lenin dealt mercilessly with his enemies. He set to work to build up a strong Communist country and Russia became known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1922.

Lenin was wounded when an assassin tried to kill him and he died in 1924 after a long illness.

His body is preserved in a crystal casket in a tomb in the Red Square, Moscow.

See Robert Gellately Lenin, Stalin, and Hitler: The Age of Social Catastrophe