Trotsky
LEON, one of the leaders of the Russian Bolsheviki. His real name was Leber Bronstein, and at the time of his accession to power in Russia , he was about 40 years old. From his early manhood he took part in Russian revolutionary movements and was frequently in prison as a revolutionist. From 1905 to 1912 he was in Siberia for participation in revolutionary plots. Following his release he went to Berlin where he established a paper. He was compelled to leave after the outbreak of the World War, and for a time lived in Switzerland. He then went to Paris, where he established a paper advocating peace. This was suppressed by the influence of the Russian Government, and Trotsky moved to Spain, where he was again arrested. Following his release, he removed to New York City, where he engaged in writing for Russian revolutionary papers. Follow Following the overthrow off the Imperial régime in Russia, he returned to that country and at once took an active part in the establishment of the Soviet Government. From its beginning, he, with Nikolai Lenine, was the strongest figure and he continued with the official title of Commander of War to direct the more aggressive activities of the government. See BOLSHEVISM; RUSSIA; COUNCIL OF WORKINGMEN AND SOLDIERS.