Lenin: The Machiavellian Marxist

Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the Bolshevik Revolution, was an armed prophet who adopted the characteristics of Machiavelli’s lion and fox.

Vladimir Lenin directing the October Revolution, from Plakat, 1926. New York Public Library. Public Domain.

Vladimir Lenin, after a decade in exile, stepped onto the platform at the Finland Railway Station in Petrograd around midnight on 3 April 1917. He did so as a man convinced that he had finally arrived at a meeting with destiny. Certain that it was the beginning of the end of capitalism, he Could now lead both Russia and eventually Europe to the promised land of communism, much as Moses had done with the ancient Israelites. This would be the most important moment in human history and he was in the vanguard.

To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.

Start my trial subscription now

If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.

Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.