The first leader of the Soviet Union after the Russian Revolution was Vladimir Lenin. Following the October Revolution in 1917, Lenin led the Bolshevik Party to power, establishing a socialist state based on Marxist principles. He served as the head of government from 1917 until his death in 1924 and played a pivotal role in shaping the early Soviet government and its policies. Lenin's leadership included the nationalization of industry and land, and his administration faced significant challenges such as civil war, economic upheaval, and foreign intervention. His ideas and practices laid the groundwork for the subsequent development of the Soviet Union.