Lenin, Stalin, Trotsky “Cloze” Timeline

The development of communism in Russia was heavily influenced by the ideas and actions of three men: Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, and Leon Trotsky. The complex personal and political tensions that existed between these three men guided the development of communism in Russia. Students will complete a timeline that highlights the actions of Lenin, Stalin, and Trotsky in a traditional storyboard. Create a blank template using the example storyboard above. The opening cell asks the essential question for this activity. Students must:

• provide a storyboard graphic that captures the action described at the top of the cell
• provide a more detailed overview of the action in the caption at the bottom of the cell

Development of Communism in Russia

• Early Soviet Union Communist Leaders
• WWI was disastrous for Russia.
• The German government smuggled Lenin into Russia.
• Red Army against the White Army.
• Lenin, Stalin, and Trotsky developed a communist Russia.
• Death of Lenin
• Stalin sent agents to kill Trotsky in Mexico.
• Stalin's Industrial Plans
• Stalin's Agricultural Plans
• Totalitarian Government

Extended Activity

• Have students create a storyboard analysis of Diego Rivera’s murals
• Have students students investigate dystopian or totalitarian themes in literature and movies

Student Instructions

Create a visual narrative timeline of the development of Communism in Russia.

1. Click "Start Assignment"
2. Add additional cells as necessary
3. In the title boxes, describe an action that propelled the nation toward Communism
4. In the descriptions, provide a more detailed description/overview of the action
5. In each cell, illustrate the action with appropriate scenes, characters, and items