Remembering Lenin On His 101st Death Anniversary: Here Are 6 Lesser-Known Facts

Vladimir Lenin, the Russian communist revolutionary, had a fascinating life beyond his prominent role in shaping the Soviet Union. Here are some lesser-known facts about him:

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Early Life and Education: Lenin was born Vladimir Ilich Ulyanov in 1870 to a middle-class family in Simbirsk, Russia. He was an excellent student, graduating first in his class in high school and later studying law at Kazan Imperial University.

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Radicalisation: Lenin's older brother, Aleksandr, was executed in 1887 for plotting to assassinate Czar Alexander III. This event had a profound impact on Lenin, leading him to become increasingly radicalised and eventually adopt Marxism.

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Exile and Pseudonym: Lenin was exiled to Siberia for his Marxist activities. During this time, he adopted the pseudonym "Lenin," which he used for the rest of his life. His real name was Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov.

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Role in World War I: Lenin advocated for Russian defeat in World War I, believing it would hasten the revolution. He even wrote a book, "Imperialism, The Highest Stage of Capitalism," arguing that war was a natural result of international capitalism.

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Red Terror: After an assassination attempt in 1918, Lenin's government instituted the Red Terror, a campaign of mass executions against perceived enemies of the state. Estimates suggest that up to 100,000 people were executed during this period.

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Dead Body On Display: Lenin's Tomb, commonly referred to as Lenin's Mausoleum, is located in Red Square, Moscow, Russia. It acts as the burial site of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, whose preserved body has been exhibited to the public since soon after his death in 1924, with few exceptions during wartime.

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