Modern European Revolutions: Review From 1917 to 1989

Russian Revolution, Historical background: Tsarist state which was slow to modernize politically and economically. Late 19 th century: Rise of revolutionary movements on the left (Narodniki, Nihilists, Socialists) Flaws of ruling system: Government does not respond effectively to crises it faces, e.g., Russo-Japanese war, , Russian Revolution of 1905)

Russian Revolution, cont. Opponents of the regime on the left: Marxist factions (Bolsheviks and Mensheviks); Agrarian socialists (SRs); Anarchists. Failure of Liberalism: Octobrists and Kadets (Duma, parliamentary road to reform and change?) Final crisis: First World War and the collapse of Tsarist regime, 1917.

Russian Revolution, cont. Revolutionary events of 1917: Provisional government, Soviets (dual power-sharing), the role of crowds Fatal flaws of Provisional Government: opposition from the right (Kornilov) and left (Bolsheviks, etc.) October Revolution of 1917 (Rise of Bolshevism)

Russian Revolution, cont. Civil War and Revolution, “Reds” vs. “Whites”: Who fought whom? And why? Triumph of the Communists: What did the revolution achieve?

POINTS TO CONSIDER: 1.Ideological content of revolutionary movements on the left. 2.Role of gender/crowds 3.Phases of revolution: Liberal democratic, radical transformation accompanied by bloodshed/violence. 4.Accomplishments of revolutionaries: Vision of new society, new social and economic forms (art, collective enterprises, media…)

Spanish Civil War and Revolution Historical background: From dictatorship ( ) to Second Republic ( ). Political factions on left and right Breakdown of democracy

Spanish Civil War and Revolution July rebellion and popular revolution Examples of revolutionary events: Collectivization projects, transforming the urban and rural landscapes (revolutionary cultural, economic, and political forms) International intervention

Spanish Civil War and Revolution Opposing sides: “Nationalists” vs. “Republicans” Course of war: Major battles and contrasting conditions of war-time society in Nationalist and Republican zones.

Points to consider Ideological content of revolutionary factions on the left (anarchosyndicalists, etc.) Examples of revolutionary behavior: collectives, dress codes, gender relations, people power. Limits imposed on revolution

Points to consider, cont. Accomplishments of revolution: empowering peasants and workers, establishing examples of self-rule/control over key elements of society and economy. Why revolution failed: shortcomings of revolutionary strategy and tactics; role of counter-revolutionary forces on the left; military superiority of Nationalists.

Revolutions of 1989 How had revolutionary model which emerged under the Bolsheviks in changed over the course of the 20 th century? Why were communist regimes established after 1945 non-revolutionary? How would you characterize the “revolutionary” forces which eroded communist rule between 1945 and 1989?

Revolutions of 1989 What general circumstances gave rise to the collapse of communism in 1989: economic conditions, rigidity of communist state systems, persistence of nationalism, pressures/influences from liberal west. Examples of “liberal” revolutions of 1989

Revolutions of 1989 How were the European revolutions of 1989 related to previous revolutions of the 18 th, 19 th, and 20 th centuries?