Czar Russia Russia ruled by the Romanov family Romanov’s in power for over 300 years Similar to Britain's Monarchy system (King and Queen) Czar was the head of state and commander and chief Czar was not elected but rather inherited the leadership position. Czar Nicholas II lead Russia during the Great War

Czar Nicolas and Family

Causes of Revolution 1. Poor leadership during WWI 2. Inequality and high unemployment 3. The Bolsheviks

Poor leadership during WWI Czar Nicholas II was the leader of the Russian military without any military experience. Lack of training for Russian troops. Trained with broomsticks. No rifles for some soldiers and were told to pick one up from a dead comrade on the battle filed. Led to 2 million Russian soldiers died between Czar Nicholas’ wife followed Rasputin and he influenced and interfered in government affairs

Rasputin

Inequality and Unemployment Women were not treated equally. Men and women would work 12 hour days for very little pay. The high cost of common items like bread and low pay made life difficult for Russians. Long lines at stores after 12 hour day, half starving and/or sick children. Extreme income inequality between the working class and upper class.

The Bolsheviks Led by Vladimir Lenin Marxist branch of the Russian Socialist Democrats Saw the capital system as unfair. Believed in violent revolution was needed to destroy the capitalist system. Redistribution of all land and industries from Capitalists to the workers. “Peace, Land, Bread” and “Worker Control of Production.”

Lenin and the Bolsheviks take Power Lenin spent much of his time abroad trying to recruit and spread his belief in overthrowing capitalism. During much of WWI Lenin was in Germany. Lenin saw an opportunity to seize power in Russia with the new provisional government (Czar Nicholas stepped down). German military leaders willingly shipped Lenin back to Russia in a sealed train. They hoped Lenin would create disorder in Russia. Bolshevik forces seized the Winter Palace from the Provisional government. Renamed themselves the “Communists” after taking power.

Russian Revolution in Color - The Return of Vladimir Lenin

Bolsheviks In Power

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk Lenin promised peace to the Russian people and signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, Treaty of Brest-Litovsk: a peace agreement ending Russia’s involvement in WWI and losing territory in Europe (Poland, Ukraine, Finland and Baltic areas). Believed these territories would return after the revolution spread through Europe.

Russian Civil War Not everyone in Russia (Now called the Soviet Union) and the surrounding areas were in favor of the Communist take over. Those opposed organized armies to attack the Communists and try to over throw them from power. The Communists were attacked by the Siberians, Ukrainians and different Baltic regions. Communist Army (Red Army) was too powerful and recaptured Ukraine and also took Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

How did the Soviet’s defeat so many? 1. Reinstated the draft 2. Murdered soldiers who refused to obey orders. 3. Well organized and well disciplined. 4. Red secret police destroyed all who opposed the new Communist regime. 5. Russian patriotism led many to support the new Communist regime. -European armies stationed on Russian land convinced many to support the regime.