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Once in power, Lenin's authority was crucial in implementing social changes amid the Bolshevik consolidation of power. Prior to the October revolution, Lenin plotted these changes in the April Thesis. Lenin had taken advantage of the power vacuum, which was created through the abdication of the Tsar; which left him in a good position to implement social and political reforms. He perceived the significance of social and cultural changes, remarking that "Our communist work among the masses of women, and our political work in general, involves considerable educational work among the men." 2. Lenin understood that an educated Russia, and modernisation would be key towards becoming a socialist Russia. In the early years of the unrest, Lenin worked intimately with Trotsky in making a constitution to mirror the new request. The bolshevik's presented a range of social and cultural changes. Lenin demonstrated incredible power, and encouraged equality for women, this was reflected in the social reforms made for marriage, abortion and divorce. It was Lenin who bargained for the goals of the revolution and took the Bolshevik's to power. The social and cultural reforms that Lenin achieved, clearly demonstrate that he was of critical importance towards the Bolshevik's consolidating power. .
Lenin's pragmatic decision making was instrumental, in avoiding an even greater number of war casualties. The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk brought about the end of the war between Russia and Germany in 1918. Lenin had strongly opposed Russia's continuing the war, claiming that they were not strong enough to continue, and in order to maintain the support of the proletariat and peasantry they must cease the war; however there were numerous who were still restricted to peace at any cost with the Germans. It was Lenin who read the circumstance superior to anything any other person. Lenin had guaranteed a conclusion to the war, and it was on March third, 1918, the treaty had been signed.
