Activity Overview
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
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a visual narrative timeline of the development of Communism in Russia.
- Click "Start Assignment"
- Add additional cells as necessary
- In the title boxes, describe an action that propelled the nation toward Communism
- In the descriptions, provide a more detailed description/overview of the action
- In each cell, illustrate the action with appropriate scenes, characters, and items
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
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
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a visual narrative timeline of the development of Communism in Russia.
- Click "Start Assignment"
- Add additional cells as necessary
- In the title boxes, describe an action that propelled the nation toward Communism
- In the descriptions, provide a more detailed description/overview of the action
- In each cell, illustrate the action with appropriate scenes, characters, and items
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Lenin, Stalin, Trotsky “Cloze” Timeline
Organize a Classroom Debate on the Impacts of Communist Leaders
Encourage students to research and discuss the positive and negative effects of Lenin, Stalin, and Trotsky on Russian society. This boosts critical thinking and helps students analyze historical perspectives.
Divide Students Into Balanced Teams
Assign each team a leader (Lenin, Stalin, or Trotsky) or a specific viewpoint. This ensures equal participation and lets students focus their research on a single figure.
Provide Clear Debate Guidelines
Explain debate rules, time limits, and respectful discussion expectations. Structure helps students stay on topic and improves engagement.
Guide Students to Use Evidence from the Timeline
Remind students to reference events and actions from their timeline activity. This reinforces learning and teaches them to back up arguments with historical facts.
Facilitate a Reflective Wrap-Up Discussion
Ask students to share what they learned and how their opinions changed. Reflection promotes deeper understanding and encourages respectful dialogue.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lenin, Stalin, Trotsky “Cloze” Timeline
What is a Lenin, Stalin, Trotsky cloze timeline activity?
A Lenin, Stalin, Trotsky cloze timeline activity is an educational exercise where students complete a visual timeline by filling in missing information about key events and actions involving these three Soviet leaders, helping them understand the development of communism in Russia.
How do I create a storyboard timeline for the development of communism in Russia?
To create a storyboard timeline for the development of communism in Russia, start by dividing the timeline into cells. In each cell, add a title describing a major event, a caption with more details, and an illustration showing the action. Focus on key actions by Lenin, Stalin, and Trotsky.
What are the key events to include in a Russian Revolution timeline lesson?
Key events to include are WWI's impact on Russia, Lenin's return, the Red vs. White Army Civil War, the rise of Stalin, Trotsky's exile, Stalin's industrial and agricultural plans, and the establishment of a totalitarian government.
Why is it important to analyze the relationships between Lenin, Stalin, and Trotsky in class?
Analyzing the relationships between Lenin, Stalin, and Trotsky helps students understand how personal and political rivalries influenced the direction of the Russian Revolution and the formation of the Soviet Union.
What are some engaging extension activities for teaching about Soviet leaders?
Engaging extension activities include creating storyboard analyses of Diego Rivera’s murals, investigating dystopian or totalitarian themes in literature and movies, or comparing other historical revolutions using graphic organizers.
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