Who was the first leader of the Soviet Union?

The first leader of the Soviet Union was Vladimir Lenin. He played a pivotal role in the Russian Revolution of 1917, which led to the overthrow of the provisional government and the establishment of Bolshevik rule. As the leader of the Bolshevik party, Lenin was instrumental in shaping the new socialist government and policies that defined the early years of the Soviet state. His leadership laid the groundwork for the development of the Soviet Union and influenced its political structure and ideologies for decades to come.

The significance of Lenin's role is highlighted by his embrace of Marxist principles and his push for a proletarian revolution, which differentiated the Soviet model from other forms of governance at that time. His policies during the early years of the Soviet Union, including the New Economic Policy (NEP), were also instrumental in stabilizing the economy after the turmoil of the revolution and civil war. Lenin’s influence on the country remained significant even after his death, as his ideas continue to be a touchstone for communist movements around the world.