Before 1914, there were huge extremes of wealth in Russia. The industrialisation of the country was just beginning and there was massive population growth in places such as St Petersburg and Moscow. Some 80% of the population, however, were peasants and most of these were not educated.

Why Stalin and Not Trotsky Emerged as Lenin’s Successor

In 1922 Russia’s leader, Lenin, suffered two major strokes, followed by another the following year.