Stalin's murderous vendetta against Trotsky

Josh Ireland tells the story of Stalin's decades-long persecution of one of the Bolshevik Revolution's most famous leaders, Leon Trotsky

Published: April 10, 2026 at 10:44 AM

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Mexico City, August 1940: a study door closes, an ice axe is raised and the Bolshevik Revolution’s greatest exile meets his grisly end. But what led to this dramatic moment?

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Danny Bird speaks to Josh Ireland about Josef Stalin’s mortal enemy and the story behind their deadly rivalry. From his affair with artist Frida Kahlo to the pitiless destruction of his family, Josh explains how this is a story of exile, obsession and the long reach of totalitarian power.

Authors

Danny BirdContent producer

Danny Bird is a content producer at HistoryExtra

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