Learning Questions What were the conditions in Russia that led to the development of the Russian Revolution? How did the conflict between czarist and Bolsheviks lead to civil war? (Reds v. whites) How was the Russian Revolution a function of the global conflicts of WWI? How was the political and economic system of the Soviet Union and communism a departure from imperial and capitalist systems?

The Russian Revolution Reading Quiz Discuss WWI & Russian Revolution HW: outline – “The Peace Settlement” (p. 911 – 916)

I. Background to Revolution Russia was not prepared for WWI (no experienced military leaders, industry was not able to produce the needed weapons) Due to these problems Russia suffered severe losses in the early years of the war (2 million dead between 1914 and 1916) The Czar went to the battlefront to hopefully inspire his troops.

Background to Revolution While the Czar was away his wife made all the important decisions for Russia. The Czarina consulted with, and was influenced by, Rasputin a peasant “holyman” who she believed was the only person who could save her son (who was a hemophiliac).

Background to Revolution Russia suffered economically (people were starving), the nation had no real leadership. Feeling something must be done Rasputin was assassinated.

Background to Revolution Strikes shutdown the nation and the Czar ordered troops to break up the crowds, shooting them if necessary. Many of the soldiers joined the movement rather than kill their fellow countrymen.

Background The Duma (legislative body) voted in a new Provisional government and asked the Czar to step down (with no support he did give up his position). The new government chose to carry on the war (a devastating decision). Last known picture of Czar Nicholas II

The March Revolution - 1917 Causes: Defeats of war Discontent (food, fuel shortage) Weaknesses of autocracy Strike led by women textile workers in Petrograd Soldiers turn on officers, not people

Results of March Revolution Nicholas II abdicates Provisional Government under Alexander Kerensky est. Russia stays in WWI Western-style parliamentary govt. People unhappy because economic problems are not being solved

Petrograd Soviet Council that Competes with Provisional Govt. for control Favored withdrawal from WWI Favored radical social reform for workers and peasants Actually held more power than Provisional Govt.

Three Government Choices Russia lost faith in govt, Lenin is returned by Germans 1. Parliamentary Govt- order through Democratic reform (Provisional) 2. Military Dictatorship- restore order by armed force

Three Govt. Choices cont… 3. Rule by workers’ and soldiers’ soviets Petrograd Soviet controlled by Lenin, Trotsky and Bolsheviks Offered: land, food, and self- determination to non-Russians People wanted real change: Who would they favor and why?

II. The Rise of Lenin Lenin had been exiled from Russia, but after the Czar stepped down Lenin persuaded the German government to send him to Russia to perhaps pull Russia out of the war. Upon returning to Russia Lenin told the people what they wanted to hear (end the war, redistribute the land, transfer factories to workers hands, and give the power of government to the SOVIETS(small representative bodies from all over Russia)).

III. The Bolsheviks Seize Power The Bolsheviks flooded the capital and took control of Russia n October 1917. While Lenin claimed the power of government was in the hands of the soviets he called the shots. The Bolsheviks changed their name to communists.

Fall 1917… “All power to the soviets” Bolshevik Revolution Nov. 7- Leon Trotsky, leading Lenin’s supporters, seized government Provisional Govt. officials arrested Communists come to power

Russian Revolution 1917

III. The Bolsheviks Seize Power In order to get Russia out of the war (as promised) Lenin signed the treaty of Brest-Litovsk, which gave up a large amount of territory to Germany (eastern Poland, Ukraine, Finland, and Baltic provinces). Although Lenin believed he had achieved peace for Russia he actually started a civil war at home.

IV. Civil War in Russia Several groups opposed Lenin’s communist party (people loyal to the Czar, Liberals , anti-Lenin socialists, and the Allies) The Allies supported these anti-Lenin groups with food and weapons in hopes of a return to the old regime. The civil war was fought by the communist (reds) and the anti-communist (whites)

IV. Civil War in Russia After winning early the whites eventually fell to the reds and the communist party became the ruling government of Russia. The royal family was murdered during the civil war by the communists to stem the anti-communist’s motivation.

Royal Family Under House Arrest

Anastasia and the Royal Family

Cellar Room Where Royal Family was Murdered

Romanov Massacre

Romanov Massacre

Romanov’s Re-Buried in Moscow in 1998

V. Triumph of the Communists Reasons the reds won disciplined army, military draft, whites were not unified with no common goal the reds also used WAR COMMUNISM that insured regular supplies secret police known as the CHECKA. The Cheka began a red terror to destroy all opposition.

Communist Dictatorship Terror Tactics Economic Policy Centralized Govt. Religious persecution Propaganda

Economics= War Communism Nationalization of industry, banks, foreign trade Draft used for labor and army Strikes forbidden Food taken from peasants and given to cities and armies ***Russia continues to decline***

Review!

Q. How did World War I contribute to the start of the Russian Revolution?

Q. What promises did the Bolsheviks make to the Russian people?

Q. Why did Lenin sign the Treaty of Brest- Litovsk?

Q. What was the White army? What groups made it up?

Q. why did the communists win the civil war in Russia?