Grigory Zinoviev

Zinoviev became the first chairman of the Communist International (Comintern) in March 1919. He directed the organization's efforts to spread world revolution, coordinating communist parties globally and advocating for immediate uprisings in Europe.

Zinoviev, along with Kamenev, formed the 'United Opposition' against Stalin's growing power within the Communist Party. They criticized Stalin's policy of 'Socialism in One Country' and advocated for rapid industrialization and world revolution, but were defeated at the 14th Party Congress.

Following the defeat of the United Opposition, Zinoviev was expelled from the Communist Party in December 1927. He was later readmitted after recanting his views, but his political influence was permanently destroyed, marking a key step in Stalin's consolidation of power.

Zinoviev was tried in the first Moscow Show Trial in August 1936, accused of plotting to assassinate Stalin and other leaders. He was found guilty and executed on August 25, 1936, becoming one of the first high-profile Old Bolsheviks purged by Stalin.