Vladimir Lenin

Vladimir Lenin was a Russian revolutionary leader who adapted Marxist theory to the conditions of early 20th-century Russia. He believed in a vanguard party, a select group to lead the working class in overthrowing capitalism and establishing socialism. Lenin emphasized the importance of a revolutionary state to transition from capitalism to communism, arguing that this was necessary to defend against counter-revolution. His ideas influenced various socialist movements worldwide and contributed to the development of Leninism, which combines Marx's theories with tactics of revolutionary activism and state control.