WW1, the Provisional Government and Red October

The War Begins Russia (like most of Europe) was eager to go to war Russia had been through a period of decline and was anxious to regain her status as a world power Examples: 1. Russia lost the Crimean War in the 19 th Century 2. Russia lost the “Great Game” to Britain during the Age of Imperialism (control of Central Asia) 3. Had won a major war with the Ottoman Empire but was totally disrespected afterwards (she was denied control of the Balkan region in favour of Austria) 4. Absolutely humiliated by the Japanese in 1905 Also dealing with nationalist revolts, unhappy workers and peasant uprisings – success in war could unify the nation

The Bear vs. the Black Eagle the Russian Army seemed powerful in 1914 in reality, poorly trained, poorly led, ill- equipped (only 2 machine guns per battalion vs. 36 for Germany, 6 heavy artillery units vs. 381 for Germany) soundly defeated by Germany in every battle (at Tannenburg lost 100,000 men in one day) 3.8 million casualties in 10 months of war equipment shortages, soldiers shared rifles, food shortages, completely ran out of ammunition in Dec 1914 not enough doctors and medics life expectancy of a Russian officer was 5 days. Russian generals who performed badly were executed or killed themselves

The Collapse backwards production and railway system meant that the cities lacked basic products and food. Russia was literally starving to death. 1915, Tsar Nicholas II, fired the military commander and installed himself as war leader. Went to the front and left his wife (with Rasputin) in charge. Alexandra never let Nicholas know how bad things were until it was too late. Rasputin was murdered by members of the Russian Royal Family in 1916 – too late – damage done! Feb. 1917, massive strike in Petrograd, Tsar ordered violence but the military supported the people, mutinies everywhere Tsar forced to abdicate his throne to save the country from tearing itself apart. Offered the crown to his brother who refused to accept it. The 300 year old Romanov dynasty was gone.

Who Killed Rasputin? Official story: poisoned, shot, beaten and drowned by Great Duke Dmitri Romanov, Prince Felix Yussupov, Vladimir Purishkevich (a member of the Russian Parliament), and Dr. Lazaret Recent Findings – head wound was likely cause of death – water in lungs didn’t indicate drowning – cremators didn’t cut his tendons- that’s why he sat up while burning The newest theory – based on the head wound, he was shot by a British.455 Webley Revolver – Rasputin was trying to convince the Tsar that the war was a huge mistake and to pull out – a possible MI6 mission to keep Russia fighting – an elaborate story to cover up the truth Unfortunately, we will probably never know for sure But, the thing in the jar at the Russian Museum is a fake! Reports of Rasputin’s member in France after the war are describe something black and shrivelled – like a rotten banana – In case you were interested

The Provisional Governemnt Eventually lead by Alexander Kerensky Never meant to be a real government, only temporary until a general election, felt compelled not to make major decisions. Didn’t end the war or solve any major problems Idealistic – General Order #1: officers did not rule, rather soldiers voted on major decisions. Army completely collapsed Unpopular – needed the support of the Petrograd Soviet (a committee of soldiers and workers who took control of the city just after the February Revolution

Vladimir Ilyich Lenin Socialist Writer, thinker and revolutionary Marxist Participant in 1905 Revolution Founder of the Bolshevik party – dedicated to installing a socialist government in Russia Was placed into exile in 1907 In 1917, he returned to Russia (with German Permission) after the February Revolution

The Second Russian Revolution Lenin, along with Leon Trotsky and the Bolsheviks take control of the Petrograd Soviet The Bolsheviks already tried to overthrow the provisional gov’t once (July days) but failed. Kornilov Revolt – A Russian General believed Kerensky was plotting to take over and tried to arrest him, Kerensky asked the Petrograd Soviet to protect him. The Bolsheviks realized how weak Kerensky was and turned on him. Were able to seize power