Russian Revolution SOL 10C

Russia In 1914, the Russian Empire was huge, yet still very backwards in comparison to Europe. Majority of the population were peasants, living in stark poverty.

Czar Nichols II Was not a good leader Had a bad temper Lost Russo-Japanese War in 1905 Inherited a corrupt government and relied heavily on secret police

Czarina Alexandra German born, not trusted by many Russians Always looking for ways to help their son, Alexis, who was a hemophiliac

Karl Marx Influence Wrote the Communist Manifesto Believed that the working class people should rise up and control the industry of the country Marxists were trying to start a revolution, taking advantage of a weak czar Marxists in Russia were called Bolsheviks

WWI The outbreak of WWI, encouraged nationalism in Russia Strained their resources Factories could not make supplies fast enough, transportation was poor, soldiers had no rifles, ammo, or medical care 1915, 2 million Russian casualties

WWI cont. Nicholas went to the front lines to take charge Did NOT help matters Left Alexandra in charge

The Mad Monk Rasputin, an illiterate Siberian peasant, who convinced people he was a “holy man” (healer) Had a very powerful personality Alexandra thought he was sent by God to help save the Romanov Dynasty by helping her son, Alexis

Rasputin

The Revolution Disaster of WWI, food shortages, and fuel shortages all contributed to the collapse of the monarchy Actually 2 revolutions, the March Revolution and the November Revolution, both in 1917

Cont. Peasants rioted Czar Nicholas called for troops to fire on them, they refused Czar now has little to no power The Duma (Russian Parliament) sets up temporary government, continues in WWI

Lenin Vladimir Lenin begins to spread Marxist ideas to factory workers Gives supporters the name “Bolsheviks” meaning majority Exiled, gains followers, returns with great promises

Cont. Lenin returns to lead the Russian Revolution (aided by Trotsky) Promised the people “Peace, Land, and Bread” Still losing miserably in WWI, people want out, Lenin and the Bolsheviks overthrow the government

Bolsheviks take over Under the New Economic Policy Ended private ownership of land, redistribute it to peasants Workers given control of factories and mines All were happy at first, thought the people were really in charge.

Cont. Civil war now takes place, continuing for 3 years Reds (supports of Lenin) vs. Whites (supports of the Czar) Citizens are executed for being against the revolution The Czar and his entire family are also executed

Communists By 1921 banks, factories, and railroads were under government control Millions of Russians were now starving, and the economy was in ruins By 1922, the Reds had won and set up the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR)

Stalin January 1924, Lenin dies, Stalin takes charge His goal - make the USSR an industrial power Has a “5 Year Plan” to improve industry, railroads, and farming

Agriculture Stalin brought agriculture under state control. Forced peasants to give up their land and live and work on large state owned farms (collectivization) Peasants resisted, were then killed

The Great Purge Stalin and his secret police “purged” the USSR of 800,000 +, mainly elderly, war heroes, artists, writers and activists Increasing Stalin power, scaring those who remain into loyalty Thus creating the ultimate communist state