The Russian Revolution

Где Россия ? (Where is Russia?)

The Roots of Revolution The title for the “king” of Russia is Tsar/Czar. He is an Absolute Monarch/Autocrat. No limitations placed on his power.

The Roots of Revolution Most serfs lived in poverty, and were illiterate. Meaning that they could not read. The nobility of Russia ruled the country. They owned all the land and all the wealth. Russia was economically underdeveloped because they still practiced serfdom and had little to no industry.

Emancipation of the Serfs It all started because of a war…. 1854-1856: Crimean War (Russia vs. Turkey) Why were they fighting? Russia is Orthodox Christian Turkey was Ottoman Turkish Muslim Fighting over the rights to the Holy Land Fighting over control of the Black Sea Who sided with Turkey and helped them win? England and France

Emancipation of the Serfs Tsar Alexander II decided to listen to reformers and emancipated the serfs in 1861. “Tsar Liberator” Revolutionaries at the time were not supportive of Alexander II because they did not want him to take back total control. Assassinated him, 1881 Future Tsars feared being assassinated. They ended all attempts to reform Russia and returned traditional serfdom and harsh repression.

Autocracy, Nationality, and Orthodoxy Autocracy: One person has all the control and tells people what to do and what to believe. Russians perceive their identity from combining their Russian heritage with the Russian nobility and the Orthodox Church.

Autocracy, Nationality, and Orthodoxy The Russians believed it was their job to protect the Slavs in the Balkans. They also forced people to adhere to Russification - Forcing non-Russians to adopt Russian language & culture. Jews were persecuted in government sponsored anti-Semitic laws called pogroms.

Prelude to Revolution Russia was still “backward” in 1900. Still had serfdom 250 years after the rest of the world had abolished it. Peasant lifestyle was still stuck in poverty with little to no food. Noble lifestyle was lavish with wealth and lots of food.

Prelude to Revolution What kept Russia from progressing into the future with the rest of the world? The Tsars opposed reform and democratic voting. Did not allow industry or education to spread.

The Revolution of 1905 It all started because of a war…. 1904-1905: Russo-Japanese War Russia LOST due to having little industry and poorly trained soldiers. Tsar Nicholas II sent troops to deal with demonstrators/war protestors in St. Petersburg. The event came to be known as “Bloody Sunday.” What happened in response? The peasants rioted and took land, workers in cities went on strike and violently revolted. - Tsar Nicholas II allowed government reforms and created a legislature for voting.

The Duma The Duma is the name for the Russian Legislature. Only wealthy people could be in the Duma and cast a vote.

The Russian Revolution of 1917 What was happening with World War I? Russia joined Serbia and suffered many defeats and horrible deaths. Industrialism? There was very little! Not enough guns or ammunition for soldiers. Told to pick up guns of dead comrades. Problems at home in Russia during WWI… Food production was low and the people were starving. Wanted the soldiers to come back home.

“February” Revolution March 1917 Results Soldiers would not kill the rioters. Nicholas II abdicated (gave up) his throne. The Duma made Russia a Republic, but would not withdraw from WWI.

“October” Revolution November 1917 How did it begin? Vladimir Lenin (follower of Karl Marx and Communism) received help from Germany to return to Russia. Lenin and his followers (the Bolsheviks) promised the people “Peace, Bread and Land.”

“October” Revolution The Bolsheviks won and took power in 1917. Renamed themselves and the new government “Communist.” Changed the name of the country to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Russia became the world’s FIRST Communist country!!!!!

The Soviet Union Under Lenin Yep…. Another war! Outbreak of the Russian Civil War, 1917-1921 Two sides: Reds: Followers of Lenin & Communism, Whites: Wanted Tsar Nicholas II to return to power. The USA supported the Whites because they refused to support Communism. Peasants and workers in Russia supported the Reds because they believed Communism would improve their lives.

The Soviet Union Under Lenin Lenin realized that as long as Nicholas II and his family were around then supporters of the Whites had something to fight for. He had to get rid of the Russian royal family. Had the entire Romanov family killed! -Tell the story Miss Bunnell

The Soviet Union Under Lenin None of the problems were truly any of the family’s fault. Lenin had them all killed so no one could ever claim the throne again. Tell the story Miss Bunnell The Reds won the civil war. This secured Communism’s power in Russia.

Lenin’s “New Economic Policy” Lenin realized the people were not producing enough food because they feared it would be seized by the government. By 1921 the Soviet Union was facing a dangerous famine (not having enough food for survival). Made Reforms New Economic Policy (NEP) Allowed small-scale industry and some private ownership of land and business. Results? NEP saw a slow increase in production.

The Death of Vladimir Lenin Lenin died in 1924 after a series of debilitating strokes. Rumors of syphilis. Everyone thought Leon Trotsky would take over the USSR. He was the leader of the Red Army and Lenin’s right hand man. Joseph Stalin rose to power and took over the USSR after Lenin. Stalin would be the leader of the Soviet Union during WWII. Trotsky Stalin