The Russian Revolution-1917

Angry about his father’s assassination Progressive 1855-1881 (assassinated) Crimean War (lost), freed the Serfs, universal education, limits rights of the nobility, private property rights. Czar Alexander II Conservative 1881-1894 Angry about his father’s assassination Uses Secret Police, censors the media Political prisoners sent to Siberia Created pogroms – violent attacks against ethnic minorities (Jews & Poles)

Czar Nicholas II Nicholas was born into the throne Reign: 1894-1918 Wife: Alexandra (German born) WWI, Nicholas goes to battlefront during war he allows his wife to run the country

1914- World War I Russia is NOT prepared

The poor (majority of Russians) lived a very different life than Czar and Czarina. They had to wait in bread lines for food and often struggled with malnutrition and famine especially in times of war. http://www.alexanderpalace.org/thompson/menu.html

WWI Russia Nicholas II takes command Unprepared militarily Poorly trained and ineffective officers & Poorly equipped soldiers Unprepared technologically Unprepared industrially

Resulting in… Tremendous amount of deserters 2 Million Deaths in 2 years (1914-1916)

Leading to… Increased call for revolution Citizens protest Lack of confidence at home Increased call for revolution

March Revolution-1917 Worker strikes because of Bread rationing Strikers march on palace “Duma” demands Nicholas step down Alexander KERENSKI- forms/leads the “Provisional” government Keeps Russia in the War (WWI) Regiments begin to refuse to fight (vote with their feet) Opposed by Lenin & “Bolsheviks” (большевики)

LENIN Leader of the “Bolsheviks” Dedicated to violent revolution Bolshevik means majority, which they are not Menshevik means minority [clever branding] Dedicated to violent revolution Overthrows the “Provisional” government October Revolution Makes separate peace with Germany- Treaty of Brest-Litovsk Ends the war with Germany (surrender) Gives lots of territory to Germany

The Royal Family?

Young Octobrists Lenin’s wife is a teacher and recognizes the importance of raising the youth with the ideals of socialism, communism, etc. Ages 7-9 (1st-3rd grade)

Komsomol Communist Youth League Ages 16-28 (High School & College) Pre-party membership Hired for better jobs at better companies Accepted to better schools FYI: Vladimir Putin was a member of the Komsomol

Russian Civil War Until 1922 Russia was embroiled in a Civil War between the REDS- Communists, and the WHITES- who wanted anyone to rule but the Communists. The United States entered this war on the side of the Whites The REDS won the Civil War. Estimates of 5-9 million deaths In 1923 Russia and neighboring states become the U.S.S.R.