what did Trotsky and Stalin have in common?

Question

i already have that they were both exiled at one point, that lenin didn't like them, and that they both wanted power of Russia. (lame I know)

if you know specifics they would be much appreciated :)

(trying to do a venn diagram for AP Euro)

Answer 1

On what Level ?? They were both captivated by Karl Marx and his writings and believed that a Communistic System would benefit the majority of Russians. Each of them had 'good motives' when they started out on the path to revolution, the idea of a collective society with all citizens being equal, each of them soon realized that only the strong can truly rule while the rest of the masses could only obey.
Trotsky was a gifted organizer, firm & resolute in making decissions which was why he succeeded early - - - Stalin was his apt pupil, learning to the point where he became master and drove Trotsky into exile - - - Stalin learned to be firm & resolute and became a gifted organizer..

Otherwise // Trotsky was from 'learned' stock while Stalin was a 'Georgian' and a peasent, albeit from the top of the peasent stock, but in being 'Georgian' Stalin initially faced obstacles that the 'Russian' Trotsky did not have to deal with.

They were both ruthless, practical and willing to make others sacrifice. Each had a private sentimental nature they hid from others for fear of being viewed as 'soft.' Each was a voracious reader.

Peace....

Regading their relationship with Lenin // at an early stage all three were friends, brought together by the teachings of Karl Marx, over time each of their headstrong natures drove a wedge between them but Stalin was more gifted at placating Lenin while Trotsky was much less diplomatic which is why he ended up in exile...

Answer 2

They were both military leaders. As Commisar for War, Trotsky significantly contributed to the development of the Red Army and helped to win the Civil War (1918-1922) against the White Russians; Stalin purged the leadership of the Red Army in the 'Great Purge' in the late 1930s, and so badly mismanaged the war effort during the early years of the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945), it led to the death and imprisonment of hundreds of thousands of soldiers, and the loss of the South-Western Front.

Answer 3

they both had mustashes