“Those who are inspired by an ideal rather than self-interest make the biggest impact on history.” To what extent does the study of Leon Trotsky support this view?

It is undoubtedly true that political idealists have a greater impact on history than those who are motivated by self-interest alone. For example, Lenin’s influence on Russian history was far greater than that of Kerensky, who was a political pragmatist, while Hitler’s influence on the course of events in Europe was greater than that of any of his contemporaries.

  • Trotsky’s career provides evidence of this view.
  • Trotsky was a Marxism, and believed socialism could eradicate the evils of capitalism. However, he knew that Russia was not ready for socialism, being underdeveloped.
  • He dealt with this problem by devising the theory of Permanent Revolution, which suggested that semi-developed nations could bypass capitalism, as long as they received aid from nations which were already industrialised.
  • He also believed that a successful revolution in Russiawould triggerrevolutions in the advanced nations, thereby solving Russia’s problem.
  • Armed with this ideology, Trotsky now devoted his life to the revolutionary cause in Russia.
  • He rejoined the Bolshevik Party in August 1917, and organised the insurrection in November. It succeededin large part due to his brilliant planning and meticulous organisation.
  • 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.
  • Trotsky was hen given the job of winning the Civil War, and it was here that he achieved his greatest triumph – building the Red Army and leading it to victory.By 1921, the Whites had been defeated, largelydue to Trotsky’s individual brilliance and his dedication to the cause.
  • The stage was now set for the two great ideological confrontations of the twentieth century:the struggle between Marxismand fascism, and the struggle between Marxism and capitalism.
  • Trotsky’s final contribution to history was unintended, but no less significant. In the power struggle with Stalin, he was unwilling to betray his socialist ideals. Hence, he declined the chance to destroy his rival, by making Lenin’s testament public. This cost Russia its best chance of removing Stalinbefore he could consolidate his power.

Hence it can be seen that idealists have, in general, had a far greater impact on history than realists, opportunists and those motivated by power and greed.