Bolshevik Revolution The Fall of Czar Rule

Nicholas II (Rules 1894-1917) Russo-Japanese War (1904) Bloody Sunday (1905) World War I (1917)

Czarina Alexandra Rasputin Wife of Nicholas II Religious teacher who Ran government while husband away Fell under influence of Rasputin Religious teacher who opposed reform spread corruption throughout government killed in 1916

2 Groups fight for change in Russia: Bolsheviks Mensheviks

March Revolution (1917) Began when Women textile workers led strike in Petrograd Protested shortages of food & fuel Soldiers turned on Government and refused to fire on crowd

Nicholas II steps down March revolution forces him to abdicate throne 1917 Royal family executed 1918 300-years of Czar rule is over!

Provisional Government Leaders of Duma set up provisional government Soviets are formed local councils consisting of workers, peasants & soldiers

Lenin Returns (April 1917) Lenin was in exile Germans helped return him to Petrograd (April 1917)

Lenin promises a new way to govern: “All Power to Soviets”

Provisional Government Falls Lenin seizes power in November 1917 Lenin distributes land to peasants and factories to workers Will Marxism work?

Discussion Points Did Lenin steal power? Did he force “his” rule on Russia?

Critical Thinking What will make it difficult for Lenin to achieve his goal of Marxism in Russia?