The Russian Revolution of 1917 Tea Boyarchuk History 11, October 18 th 2012

Russia, Pre-Revolution I Russia under absolute power of the Tsars for years Tsar Nicholas/Nikolas/Nikolai II in power, disliked by many Massive “disgrace” by losing Russo- Japanese War ◦ Considered a “disgrace” amongst Eastern Europeans to lose to an Asian power

Russia, Pre-Revolution II Mid-1800s, educated Russian middle class was exposed to new ideologies ◦ Mainly of German influence ◦ Socialism, Anarchism, Laissez-Faire Capitalism, Collectivism, Marxism سارة

The People, Lenin Vladimir Illyich Ulyanov, born in Simbirsk Vladimir, involved in radical politics ◦ Influenced by older brother, Anarchist terrorist sect, “Peoples’ Will”  Executed by tsarists ◦ Took the pen name of “Lenin” after developing a strong Marxist back ground ◦ Joined growing numbers of Marxist intellectuals

The People, Stalin Iosip Djushganvili, Georgia, terrorist, thief, radical, stole from banks, finance Marxist insurgence Often imprisoned, often escaped with elaborate plans/disguises

The People, Trotsky Lev David Broshtein, Russian-Jewish intellectual Strongly opposed to all of Stalin’s action ◦ Still a devoted Marxist

The People, Tsar Nikolai II Currently living a lavish lifestyle, unwilling to aid Russians Main concern, Alexei’s diagnosis, hemophilia Rasputin’s close relations troubles the Russian community Fraternization with Rasputin, military loses, Rebellions of 1905, Russian involvement in WWI Large sense of discontent

Petrograd (St. Petersburg) February, female workers launched a strike In one month, every industrial plant was shut down Workers, students, teachers, flood streets Strikes turn into riots

The Tsar & Politics Chaos surrounded the Tsar Unhappy troops turned on the Tsar Throne, willingly abdicated, mid-March 1917 Other politicians establish a Provisional Government ◦ Socialists and Marxists were not happy, not radical enough

The New Government Leader = Alexander Kerensky, moderate socialist Bolsheviks stage another revolution in October Main socialist opposition, divided into two factions ◦ Mensheviks, less radical and less orthodox Marxist ◦ Bolsheviks, extremely radical, led by Lenin

The October Revolution Did not start in October, did not end in October either Essentially a Bolshevik take over of Russia, took many years Ensuing years known as the Russian Civil War, slightly different from October Revolution Bolsheviks (Reds) fight Monarchists/Moderates (Whites)

The Grand Finale Dethroned royal family, family dog, and servants are murdered ◦ Princess Anastasia? Establishment of the USSR is a done deal Lasts just over 70 years

The USSR