Trotsky's Disillusionment in America

Leon Trotsky's brief time in New York City in 1917 was marked by his hope to ignite a socialist revolution among American workers, but he faced significant disappointment. While he expected the American proletariat to respond to his revolutionary ideals, they were primarily focused on improving their working conditions, such as shorter hours and paid vacations. This stark contrast between Trotsky's expectations and the reality of American labor sentiments led to his growing frustration and despair. Ultimately, Trotsky's experience highlighted the complex dynamics of worker consciousness during this period and underscored the challenges of initiating revolution in a capitalist society.