Leon Trotsky - Biography.

Leon Trotsky - Biography. Russian Marxist and a leader of the Bolshevik revolution. Birth November 8, 1879 Death August 21, 1940 Place of Yanovka, Ukraine (then part of the Russian Empire) Birth Political Bolshevik (later renamed Communist) Party Known For Developing a theory of 'permanent revolution' based on a close interpretation of Marxism, believing that the continued success of the Russian Revolution relied on Marxist revolutions throughout the world Playing a primary role in the organization of the October phase of the Russian Revolution of 1917, overseeing the assumption of power by the Bolsheviks (later Communists), and organizing the Red Army during the ensuing civil war Milestones 1898 Was arrested and jailed in Odessa, then exiled to Siberia for his involvement in the founding and activities of the South Russian Workers' Union, an organization which led labor demonstrations 1902 Escaped from exile and fled to London, where he joined Lenin and other Russian Social Democrats in the publication of Iskra (The Spark) 1905 Returned to Saint Petersburg to organize soviets (workers' collectives) and lead the socialist workers' movement, but was quickly arrested for his activities 1906 Wrote Results and Perspectives while in prison, originating the theory that the socialist revolution must spread to other nations to be successful 1917 Joined the Bolsheviks after dropping his opposition to Lenin's demand for an exclusive party, and became a member of the Central Committee, leading preparations for the Bolsheviks to seize power 1918-1921 Organized the Red Army, incorporating former officers from the imperial army, and led them to victory in the Russian Civil War 1921 Supressed the Kronshtadt Rebellion, an uprising against the Bolsheviks by sailors demanding new elections 1924 Struggled unsuccessfully against Joseph Stalin for control of the USSR after the death of Lenin, hurt by his late allegiance to the Bolsheviks 1927 Expelled from the Communist Party for his opposition to Stalin, and was expelled from the USSR two years later 1937 Published The Revolution Betrayed, a work that accused Stalin of failing the socialist movement, while exiled in Mexico. Did You In 1940, Trotsky was assassinated in Mexico City by an agent of Stalin who posed as an admirer, then killed him with a pickaxe. Know Trotsky was born Lev Davidovich Bronstein. He first used the name Trotsky on a false passport when he escaped from jail in Odessa. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.