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LEON TROTSKY is considered one of the most controversial revolutionary figures of his time.  Was he a practical revolutionary or a naive idealist?  On the practical side, he was the mastermind behind the Bolshevik seizure of power in 1917, and was totally ruthless during the ensuing Civil War. 

 

As an idealist, he was committed to the pursuit of international revolution, but created many political enemies.  After Lenin's death,  Trotsky lost in a power struggle with Stalin, and later was expelled from the Communist Party.  Trotsky was exiled from the Soviet Union, eventually finding  refuge in Mexico.

 

In 1940, Stalin ordered his assassination, and Trotsky died after being struck in the head with an ice-pick.  History records that Trotsky was a master theoretician, a skilful propagandist and a brilliant orator.

DURATION: 34 Minutes

 

CHAPTER HEADINGS & KEY LEARNING AREAS

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Historical  Background

Background Trotsky's Early Life

Rise to Prominence 1905-1917

 Rise to Prominence - Role in the 1917 Revolution

From Revolutionary Leader to Exile

Trotsky in Exile

 

SUBJECT AREAS

SENIOR:  Modern History, Humanities, Society & Culture, SOSE

JUNIOR:  History, HSIE, SOSE

 

STUDY AREAS

SENIOR:    Personalities in the 20th Century, Studies of Power

JUNIOR:  History, Shaping of the Modern World, World War l