March (Feb.) Revolution of 1917 Russian monarchy in collapse – Marchers and women stormed streets – Troops refused to fire and joined marchers Czar abdicated throne – Czar and family captured, put under house arrest Duma set up provisional government – Created Russian Republic and constitution

Duma continued fighting in WWI! – people fed up with war – Troops deserting – still no food or land Rev. socialists – Bolsheviks - plot to overthrow government – Led by V.I. Lenin

November (Oct.) Revolution of 1917 Lenin back from exile April 1917 Began plotting revolution – Assisted by revolutionary Leon Trotsky People revolt in November – Red Guards (workers) and mutinous sailors attacked provisional government

Bolsheviks in Charge Did 3 things: 1.Ended private ownership of land – Redistributed to peasants 2.Economy under government control – Command economy 3.Withdrew Russia from WWI – Treaty of Brest-Litovsk New flag – red with hammer and sickle – Union between peasants and workers Bolsheviks renamed communists Rename Russia – Union of Soviet Socialists Republic (USSR) Executed Czar and family

Lenin’s Communist Rule Executed opponents Took control of industry, banks, etc. Political parties banned Property seized and schools closed – State schools taught that God did not exist (atheism) Government censorship Propaganda on communist philosophy Lenin lives, Lenin will live!

Lenin’s Rule Ends In (official) power for 3 years 4 strokes over 2 years – dies at 54 Leaves USSR in a struggle for succession – Trotsky vs. Stalin

Trotsky vs. Stalin Trotsky Brilliant intellectual Important leader of November Revolution Believed in world-wide Communist revolution Stalin Believed in communism in one country – Focus on RUSSIA first People liked Stalin’s idea Put people he trusted in key positions