Lenin's Body Placed in a Mausoleum: January 27, 1924
1924 · Moscow, Soviet Union
Lenin's body is placed in a mausoleum in Red Square, Moscow, following his death on January 21.
Renaming of Petrograd to Leningrad
On January 24, 1924, the Russian city of Petrograd was officially renamed Leningrad in honor of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, the leader of the Bolshevik Revolution and the founder of the Soviet state, who had passed away just a few days earlier on January 21, 1924. This renaming was a significant event in Soviet history, reflecting both the reverence for Lenin and the political shifts occurring in the Soviet Union at the time.
Historical Context
Petrograd’s Origins: Originally founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703, the city was initially named Saint Petersburg. It served as the capital of the Russian Empire for over two centuries. During World War I, in 1914, the city was renamed Petrograd to sound less Germanic.
Bolshevik Revolution: Petrograd was a central stage for the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. The city’s strategic importance and its role as a hub for revolutionary activities made it a symbolic location for the Bolsheviks.
Lenin’s Influence: Lenin played a pivotal role in the October Revolution of 1917, which led to the establishment of a communist government in Russia. His leadership and ideological contributions were foundational to the Soviet state.
The Renaming
Decision and Implementation: The decision to rename Petrograd to Leningrad was made by the Soviet government shortly after Lenin’s death. This act was part of a broader effort to memorialize Lenin and solidify his legacy within the Soviet Union.
Symbolic Significance: Renaming the city was not only a tribute to Lenin but also a means to reinforce the ideological shift from the imperial past to a new socialist future. It was intended to inspire loyalty to the communist cause and to Lenin’s vision.
Aftermath and Legacy
Cultural and Political Impact: The renaming of Petrograd to Leningrad was part of a larger trend of renaming cities, streets, and institutions across the Soviet Union to reflect communist ideology and honor revolutionary figures.
Leningrad During WWII: Leningrad became famous for its resilience during the Siege of Leningrad in World War II, one of the longest and most destructive sieges in history, lasting from 1941 to 1944.
Post-Soviet Era: Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the city was renamed once again to Saint Petersburg in 1991, reflecting a return to its historical roots and a shift in political climate.
The renaming of Petrograd to Leningrad remains a significant historical event, illustrating the deep impact of Lenin’s legacy on Soviet society and the symbolic power of place names in shaping national identity.