Vladimir Lenin was a revolutionary who helped overthrow the monarchy in Russia. He led the Bolsheviks and toppled the democratic government. He was inspired by the philosophy of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. He created a movement called Leninism, which was based off of Marxism. This movement is called Communism. He formed the United Soviet Socialist Republic, also known as the USSR or the Soviet Union. Lenin's most trusted advisers were Leon Trotsky and Joseph Stalin. He is considered the founder of the first Communist government. After his death in 1924, Trotsky and Stalin fought for power. Stalin won, exiled Trotsky and later assassinated him. Although Lenin was a cruel leader who killed many people, he also helped Russia after overthrowing the monarchy, who were worse than the Communists.