Which statement best describes Trotsky's role in the early Soviet state?

Which statement best describes Trotsky's role in the early Soviet state?

• A. He opposed using former tsarist officers and disbanded the Red Army.
• B. He turned the Red Army into an effective fighting force and supported international revolution.
• C. He remained in exile throughout the 1920s and had little influence on Soviet policy.
• D. He was killed in 1930 before playing a significant role.

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is how Trotsky shaped the Soviet state through military leadership and internationalist ideas. As the War Commissar, he centralized command of the Red Army, streamlined its structure, and pushed rapid training, conscription, and disciplined, coordinated action. This transformation produced a highly effective fighting force that could defend the revolution during the Civil War and withstand White armies and foreign intervention. At the same time, Trotsky was a vocal advocate of international revolution, arguing for the spread of socialist uprisings beyond Russia and developing the idea of permanent revolution. That combination—building a strong, unified Red Army at home and pushing for revolutionary action abroad—best fits what Trotsky actually did. The other statements don’t align with his record: the Red Army was not disbanded, nor did Trotsky remain in exile throughout the 1920s, and he was not killed in 1930.

The main idea here is how Trotsky shaped the Soviet state through military leadership and internationalist ideas. As the War Commissar, he centralized command of the Red Army, streamlined its structure, and pushed rapid training, conscription, and disciplined, coordinated action. This transformation produced a highly effective fighting force that could defend the revolution during the Civil War and withstand White armies and foreign intervention. At the same time, Trotsky was a vocal advocate of international revolution, arguing for the spread of socialist uprisings beyond Russia and developing the idea of permanent revolution.

That combination—building a strong, unified Red Army at home and pushing for revolutionary action abroad—best fits what Trotsky actually did. The other statements don’t align with his record: the Red Army was not disbanded, nor did Trotsky remain in exile throughout the 1920s, and he was not killed in 1930.