Lenin

1887

Execution of his brother strengthened his will to change ruling of Russia

1897

Exiled to Siberia

1900

Joined the Social Democrats (CDs) and went into self-imposed exile abroad

1902

Published ‘what is to be done?’ → ideas about how Russia should be ruled

1903

Led the Bolsheviks as a breakaway group from the SDs

From 1900-03 edited main newspaper of revolutionary movement, the Iskra

1905

Returned to Russia to witness the ‘revolution’ but was not actively involved

1906-17

Exile overseas again

1917

Returned to Russia after the Russian Revolution (February)

Went on to lead the Bolsheviks in displacement of PG

1917-20

Strengthened Bolshevik rule and played important role in ensuring defeat of opposition during Civil War

30 August 1918

Survived assassination attempt

1921

Replaced War Communism with NEP

1922-3

Immobilised after a number of strokes, died 1924