Animal Farm Historical Background The Russian Revolution

Russian Society Russia was in an appalling state of poverty while the Czar, the ruler of Russia lived in luxury. There was tremendous dissatisfaction among the people.

Czar Nicholas II A poor leader, at best, when compared to western leaders Cruel - sometimes brutal with opponents Sometimes kind - hired poor students as spies to help them make money

Czar Nicholas II Believed he was the unquestionable leader of Russia appointed by God Ordered unarmed protesters murdered in the streets in 1905

Karl Marx: The Father of Communism

Karl Marx Invented Communism His vision– Everyone would have what they needed, and no one citizen would possess more than another. 1848– Published an influential pamphlet called the Communist Manifesto

Karl Marx believed that the private ownership of land must be abolished believed in “Communal” way of life where everyone shares in prosperity Dies before Russian Revolution

Communism All people are seen as equal. Government owns everything- people own government

Vladimir Lenin Lenin adopted Marx’s ideas. He believed that the bourgeoisie (middle class with money) exploited the workers and must therefore be overthrown.

Vladimir Lenin: Rise to Power One of the leaders of the Bolshevik party since its formation in 1903 Led the Soviets to power in October, 1917 (The October Revolution) Tried to manipulate all movement and communication within the country by taking control of the railroads and telegraph lines –(This would secure state authority for the Bolsheviks.) Forbade the holding of private property

Vladimir Lenin Understands the emotional impact of simple, powerful slogans: “Workers of the world unite!” “Land, bread, and peace for everyone!”

Vladimir Lenin Changes Russia’s name to the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) When Lenin died, there was a power struggle between Trotsky and Stalin.

Leon Trotsky Pure communist, followed Marx Wanted to improve life for all in Russia Favors world revolution

Leon Trotsky Trotsky was a brilliant public speaker With Lenin, he succeeded in overthrowing the government in October Lenin was the President, and Trotsky the Commissar for Foreign Affairs

Joseph Stalin Not a skilled speaker and not educated like Trotsky Does not follow Marx’s ideas Cares for power, kills all who oppose him Uses KGB, allows church, and propagandized

Propaganda Department of Stalin’s government Work for Stalin to support his image Lies to convince the people to follow Stalin

Joseph Stalin Stalin continually opposes Trotsky Craves power, willing to kill for it Benefits from the fact that education is controlled Secures his power base, and engineers the permanent exile of his adversary, Trotsky, in 1929

KGB-Secret Police Not really police, but forced to support Stalin Used force, often killed entire families for disobedience Totally loyal, part of Lenin’s power, even over army Eventually, they chase Trotsky away

Civil War From 1918 –1921 there was civil war in Russia Foreign countries including Britain, France, Poland and USA were alarmed at the spread of communism but the Red Army (the Bolsheviks) led by Trotsky proved successful