Russian Revolution Timeline

Quick review: What were the three causes of the Russian Revolution? In March 1917, an even known as the March Revolution occurs Czar Nicholas is more or less forced to step down and a provisional government was established The provisional government was not strong, opening the door for new, radical leadership

Political Parties Bolshevik – Majority Communist faction that came to power during the Russian revolution. (Radical) Menshevik – Minority Communist faction split from the Bolshevik (Moderate) Together these parties made up the RSDLP – Marxist Russian Social Democratic Labor Party

March Revolution In March 1917, women working in the textile industry began to strike Eventually, this workers strike spread and over 200,000 workers were on strike shouting “Down with the Autocracy” and “Down with the War” Initially the soldiers shot the protesters, but then they realized they had a common enemy and the soldiers sided with the people Forced Czar Nicholas to step down and established a provisional (temporary) government

March Revolution Textile workers on strike; 200,000 strong; gain support of army and force czar to step down; Russia in state of chaos

Bolshevik Revolution In November 1917, the Bolsheviks removed the provisional government and assumed power The Bolshevik Red Guard stormed the Winter Palace and took over government offices Royal family murdered Lenin ordered farmland to be distributed among peasants Signed a peace treaty with Germany (Brest- Litovsk Treaty) humiliated Russia

Because many Russians were humiliated by the treaty, more and more people began to oppose the new Bolshevik government Bolshevik Red Guard (Red Army) now faced an opponent, the White Army (those who supported the czar, wanted democratic government, or socialists who opposed Lenin’s style of socialism) Civil War last from 1918-1920 and eventually, Leon Trotsky led the Red Army to victory (14 million died) After the revolution, Russia became a state-controlled society

Bolsheviks take over, killing royal family Give land to poor Bolshevik Revolution Bolsheviks take over, killing royal family Give land to poor Sign treaty with Germany Civil War Breaks out Russia becomes state-controlled society

Lenin Restores Order 1921 - Gave more freedom to small businesses (limited form of capitalism) (New Economic Policy) 1922 –Divided and renamed Russia - Union of Soviet Socialism Republics (USSR) – used to eliminate nationalism, a threat to the Bolsheviks Renamed Bolshevik Party to Communist Party

1921 New Economic Policy – Lenin reforms to establish a more capitalistic system

1922 Russia becomes USSR Lenin has stroke

1922-1927 Stalin’s climb to the top

1928 Stalin becomes absolute dictator and establishes Totalitarian state

1929 Leon Trotsky exiled