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In the aftermath of the revolution, Trotsky was appointed as the People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs but quickly transitioned to oversee the Red Army during the Russian Civil War (1917-1922). He employed ruthless tactics to draft soldiers and instill discipline, including the formation of "blocking units" that executed deserters. This approach ensured that the Red Army grew quickly from a fledgling force to a significant military power capable of defeating White forces.
Despite his successes, Trotsky’s leadership style was deeply polarizing, reflecting his commitment to revolutionary ideals, which sometimes veered into brutal oppression.