Name ______________________________ Class ___________________ Date ____________________

World War I Biography

Directions: Read the biography of Leon Trotsky below and answer

the two questions in 2-3 complete sentences each.

Leon Trotsky
1879–1940

WHY HE MADE HISTORY Leon Trotsky

was a Communist leader. He played an

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important role in the Russian Revolution of
1917 and the resulting Bolshevik rise to
power. During the Russian Civil War, he
strengthened and organized the Red Army.
This contributed to the Bolshevik victory
over the White Army.

As you read the biography below, think about how

Leon Trotsky’s dedication to the Bolshevik Party
helped contribute to Russian history.

Leon Trotsky was a creative thinker, a hard worker, and a good student. He
was born Lev Davidovich Bronshtein. As a teenager, he became active in
Bolshevism. Because of this, he was arrested and exiled to Siberia. He
escaped four and a half years later and traveled around Europe.
In 1905, Trotsky returned to Russia, Once again, he joined with
revolutionary thinkers. He helped organize strikes and other uprisings
against the Russian government. He was arrested and sent to prison again.
He escaped for a second time in 1907. Trotsky eventually settled in Vienna.
There he worked as a war correspondent for seven years.
The outbreak of revolution in March 1917 brought Trotsky home. He
joined with the Bolsheviks. He also helped organize the October
Revolution, which brought Vladimir Lenin to power. Under Lenin, Trotsky
became an official for foreign affairs. He negotiated for peace with
Germany and its allies during World War I. After accepting the harsh terms
of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in 1918, Trotsky resigned. At this point, he
dedicated himself to building up the Bolshevik Red Army. His impressive
military force defeated the White Army in the Russian Civil War.
Trotsky was second in power to Vladimir Lenin. He hoped to one day
assume Lenin’s position as leader of the Bolsheviks. Trotsky’s dedication,
however, was never rewarded. Joseph Stalin assumed control of the party
in 1922. Despite this failure to gain leadership, Trotsky’s determination and

Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
Full Survey Chapter 26 9 World War I
Modern Era Chapter 12
Name ______________________________ Class ___________________ Date ____________________

World War I Biography

intelligence allowed him to remain a key figure in Russian history.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN?

1. Recall What role did Leon Trotsky play in the October Revolution?
Leon Trotsky was an organizer of the October revolution.
2. Identify Cause and Effect What caused Trotsky to be imprisoned and exiled twice?

He was imprisoned and exiled twice for believing in and doing acts of Bolshevism

Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
Full Survey Chapter 26 10 World War I
Modern Era Chapter 12