Russia and WWI

Outbreak of War War greeted enthusiastically in Russia Tsar’s (czar) popularity rose (Nicholas II – Romanov dynasty) Bolsheviks (communists – Lenin) opposed war

Military Failures Huge Russian army suffered many defeats Badly equipped and poorly led by aristocratic officers

The Tsar’s Role Nicholas controlled armed forces Held personally responsible for defeats

The Tsarina and Rasputin Alexandra gained power in tsar’s absence Rasputin (monk) influenced her greatly Helped control son’s hemophilia Rumors about their relationship

Poor Living Conditions War led to shortages of food and fuel; increase in prices Factories shut down (lack of raw materials) which led to unemployment Refuges from areas close to fighting led to overcrowded cities Desperate situation at home

Failure to Reform Duma (Russian Parliament) wanted to improve the war effort Nicholas refused; war went badly Bolshevik Revolution – Lenin leads communists to power Nicholas overthrown (family murdered) Withdrew Russia from War