The Russian Revolution

Seeds of Revolution Russia in WWI… –The Russian Army was unprepared for World War I. Poor leadership Poor industry –Not enough guns! Still weak from defeat in Russo-Japanese War of 1905 –Unable to defeat Central Powers Czar leads troops –By 1916: 2 million dead 4-6 million wounded and captured

Seeds of Revolution Distrust of the Gov’t… –Czar Nicholas II Absolutist Leader –Wife – Alexandra Influenced by Grigory Rasputin while Nick is fighting in WWI. –“Witch doctor” »Cured Alexis’ hemophilia? –Consulted by Alexandra before all major decisions. –People become distrustful of Czar. Assassinate Rasputin More to come?

1916: Rasputin murdered Grigory Rasputin, a self-fashioned Russian holy man, was murdered by Russian nobles eager to end his sway over the royal family. Rasputin won the favor of Czar Nicholas II and Czarina Alexandra through his ability to stop the bleeding of their hemophiliac son, Alexei. Although the Siberian-born peasant was widely criticized for his lechery and drunkenness, he exerted a powerful influence on the ruling family of Russia. He particularly influenced the czarina, and when Nicholas departed to lead Russian forces in World War I, Rasputin effectively ruled Russia through her. In the early hours of December 30, 1916, a group of nobles lured Rasputin to Yusupovsky Palace, where they attempted to poison him. Seemingly unaffected by the large doses of poison placed in his wine and food, he was finally shot at close range and collapsed. A minute later he rose, beat one of his assailants, and attempted to escape from the palace grounds, where he was shot again. Rasputin, still alive, was then bound and tossed into a freezing river. A few months later, the imperial regime was overthrown by the Russian Revolution.

Bread Strikes –Feb - March, 1917 Price of Bread skyrocketed. Gov’t started rationing bread. –10,000 women march through Petrograd » “Peace and Bread.” –Upset workers hold general strike. »Nick orders troops to break up crowds by shooting them if necessary.

The March Revolution Army resists, joins marchers. The Duma –Advisory body to the Czar –Meets, asks Czar to step down. Nick II steps down March 15 th, –Republican “Provisional Gov’t” takes power. Keeps Russia in WWI –Further angers peasants… –Is this the end?

Soviets Meanwhile, councils of workers and soldiers begin challenging the new government… Soviets Socialist Represent radical interests of the lower class. One group, calling themselves the “Bolsheviks” will become very powerful

Russian Rev – Day 1 Review! How was WWI a cause for the Russian Revolution? Why didn’t the Russian people trust the rule of Czarina Alexandra? How did Russian women react to the rationing of bread? What fatal mistake did the Provisional government make when it was created? What were soviets? Which was the most powerful Soviet?

The Bolsheviks Marxist. –Leader = Vladimir Lenin Goals: 1.Violent revolution. 2.Unite the Soviets. 3.Overthrow the government

Bolshevik Promises Promises… –End the war. –Redistribute all land. –Transfer ownership of the factories to workers. Three slogans –“Peace, Land, Bread” –“Worker Control of Production” –“All Power to the Soviets”

Proletarians of all countries, unite!

“Capital”

“Women, adhere to the corporation” “What the October Revolution has given to working and peasant women”

Communists Take Power In Oct. – Nov. 1917, the Bolsheviks seized control of the winter palace. –Overthrew Provisional Gov’t –Established Congress of the Soviets Bolsheviks rename themselves “Communists”

Lenin’s Actions First Priority! Treaty of Brest-Litvosk (March 8 th, 1918) –Gives territory to Germans in order to get out of the war

Many people were opposed to the new Communist government. Establish Secret Police to maintain power –“Cheka” The “Red” Army battles against groups loyal to the Czar (“Whites”) Allies are helping these anti-communists –Why? Civil War

“Long live the Red Army!”

The royal family fell victim to the Civil War as well… Royal family was murdered on July 16 th, 1918 Why did the Communists have the Romanovs executed?

By 1921: –Communists had complete control of Russia. By 1922: –The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) is officially recognized as a state. Also known as the Soviet Union The Soviet Union

Revolution Recap…