This book offers a detailed examination of Trotsky's career and the contributions he made to the Soviet Union, both as a participant and later as a critic. Fourteen chapters cover the span of Trotsky's life - from his early life and rise to prominence, to the major achievements of his political career and his decline and assassination in 1940. The final chapter considers different historical interpretations of Leon Trotsky and explains the debate surrounding key controversies in his career. Features of the book include: A. Each chapter contains: a timeline of major events a glossary of terms chapter review questions an array of original images B. Source investigations are included to provide students with an opportunity to critically reflect on the major issues in Trotsky's life and career: Trotsky's early life (1879-1899) Trotsky's rise to prominence (1905-1917) Trotsky's political career (1917-1922) Trotsky's struggle for power (1922-1928) Trotsky's last exile (1929-1940) C. Extended response questions and essay questions for a range of student abilities are also included.