Historical Background Russian Revolution Historical Background

Terms to Know Democracy: a government formed to represent the people directly or through elected representatives Constitutional Monarchy: a government whose head of state is a monarch. The governmental policies are spelled out in a written constitution

Terms to Know Dictatorship: a government whose leader has absolute authority over all things in the government and under its control Totalitarian state: a government whose leader or political party has absolute control over all aspects of its citizens’ lives. Opposing ideas are not welcomed.

Cooperation and Sharing Competition and Personal Profit Terms to Know Communism/Socialism: an economic system in which there is no private property--everything is held in common (by the government) for the common good of all members Cooperation and Sharing Capitalism: an economic system based on private ownership; government involvement is limited and the market is based on “free enterprise” Competition and Personal Profit

The Philosophical Origins of Communism

Karl Marx: Father of Communism German Philosopher 1847: wrote and published The Manifesto of the Communist Party

Karl Marx: Father of Communism “The point is not merely to understand the world, but to change it.”

Karl Marx: Manifesto Solution: Marxism Equal distribution of wealth Problems with Capitalism Encouraged competition Provided unequal rewards--a few get a lot and most get little Wealthy hoarded education to keep the poor in their place Solution: Marxism Equal distribution of wealth Tranquil & equal relationship among citizens Elimination of poverty, ignorance, and starvation

Karl Marx: Father of Communism “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.”

Karl Marx: How to do it Revolution: the wealthy won’t do this willingly so there will be a great revolt of the workers (many) who will overthrow the wealthy (few)

Karl Marx: Father of Communism “Workers of the world unite; you have nothing to lose but your chains.”

Russia 1900-1917

Russia: 1900-1917 Marx’s ideas were spreading (communism) Workers organized by: Vladimir Lenin Leon Trotsky Joseph Dzugashvill, who changed his name to Stalin (man of steel)

Russia: 1900-1917 Political system run by a Czar (Nicholas II) who dictated policy--claimed to draw his power from God Widespread poverty, hunger, and unemployment Czar entered WWI on the side of the British, French, and Italians--more $$ diverted to army

Russia: 1900-1917 1914-1917: Minor revolts took place across Russia 1917: Mob assaulted the seat of government and Czar Nicholas II admitted defeat and abdicated (and left town in a hurry)

Russia: 1900-1918 February-October 1917: No unified central government Provisional government set up at the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg--but they didn’t have control of the country

Russia: 1900-1918 February-October 1917: Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin worked together to take control of: Military Railroads Telegraph lines They promised soldiers and workers a more equal distribution of wealth “Land, bread, and peace for everyone” “All Power to the Soviets”

Russia: 1900-1918 October 1917: Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin assaulted the Winter Palace and seized control of the government

Communism under Lenin “We shall now proceed to the construction of the communist order.” Goal: Peace and Equality

Communism under Lenin Abolished private property Redistributed land according to need Outlawed hired labor Gradually nationalized banks and businesses (under state control to ensure fair division of profits)

Communism under Lenin Problems Owed $$ from the war The former wealthy didn’t like the new plan U.S. and Great Britain didn’t like the revolution (why not?) and gave $$ to opposition

Communism under Lenin Problem: How could Lenin bring about peace when there was opposition? Solution: The Red Army

Communism under Lenin The Red Army: created to root out and destroy dissenters (suspected anti-communists) terror campaign many Russians executed

Communism Under Lenin 1918-1921: Civil war between Communists and their enemies Led by Trotsky the Red Army prevailed and communists maintained power 1922 Lenin suffered 3 strokes and died

Communist power struggle: 1922-1926 Trotsky versus Stalin

1922-26: Trotsky versus Lenin “The Dreamer” Brilliant speaker and writer Spoke with fire and passion Inspiring leader

1922-26: Trotsky versus Stalin Intelligent Not as gifted a speaker as Trotsky focused on administrative duties and creating loyal bonds between himself and the powerful men a diplomat/pragmatist

Trotsky defeated In 1926 he left for Mexico Assassinated in Mexico in 1940

5 Year plans to industrialize Russia Stalin in power: 1926-1953 5 Year plans to industrialize Russia

Stalin in power: 1926-1953 KGB: Russia’s internal police force spied on opposition within Russia

Stalin in power: 1926-1953 Gulags: Prison camps kept prisoners arrested for “anti-Communist activities” in horrible conditions and used them as cheap labor

Stalin in power: 1926-1953 Purges of 1934 2-7 million people killed People (many high-ranking officials) arrested and forced to “confess” through torture