Vladimir Ilyich Lenin born 22 April 1870 was commonly known by the names V.I. Lenin or simply Lenin, was a Russian revolutionary, Bolshevik communist politician, principal leader of the October Revolution and the first head of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
In 1998, he one of the most influential people of the 20th century.

His contributions to Marxist theory are commonly referred to as Leninism. He excelled at school and went on to study law. At university, he was exposed to radical thinking, and his views were also influenced by the execution of his elder brother, a member of a revolutionary group.