Causes of the Russian Revolution The population had outgrown its food supply. Peasants, working on the farms, demanded their freedom. Russia was losing miserably in WWI.

Causes of the Revolution One of Nicholas’ strongest critics was Vladamir Lenin. Lenin believed strongly in the teachings of a German philosopher named Karl Marx. .

Causes of the Revolution Lenin promised the starving people of Russia, “peace, land, and bread!” Many people believed in Lenin. He gathered a large following called the Bolsheviks.

Causes of the Revolution Meanwhile, things were not going well for the Czar. His wife, Alexandra, had become obsessed with a man who she thought was a prophet of God- Gregory Rasputin. Many Russians believed that Rasputin was controlling the kingdom

The Revolution Begins Lenin and the Bolsheviks raided the Czar’s palace in the fall of 1917. It became known as the October Revolution.

The Revolution Begins The Czar and his family were arrested and sent to live away from the city and later killed.

A New Nation With the Romanovs dead, and Lenin in power, a new Russia was born under the Communist flag.

A New Nation The country’s new name became the U.S.S.R. for Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Lenin agrees to a treaty to withdraw from WW1 in 1917