Animal Farm & The Russian Revolution

Animal Farm is a satirical allegory that is based on events in Russian history. When the Russians revolted in 1917, their Tsar was killed for communist rule. This eventually evolved into the totalitarian regime of Josef Stalin.

Tsar Nicholas II Monarch of Russia – he was completely in charge A poor leader – sometimes cruel Murdered in the Revolution

Josef Stalin not a good speaker, not educated like Trotsky didn't follow Marx's ideas cared for power, killed all that opposed him used KGB, allowed church, and propagandized

Karl Marx The founder of communism Famous for saying, ‘ workers of the world unite ’ Died before the Russian Revolution

Leon Trotsky other leader of "October Revolution" pure communist, followed Marx wanted to improve life for all in Russia chased away by KGB (the secret police)

Vyacheslav Molotov Stalin ’ s public speaker Responsible for promoting Stalin ’ s public image

KGB not really police, but forced support for Stalin used force, often killed entire families for disobedience totally loyal

Religion used to make people not complain and do their work Religion was tolerated because people would work Stalin knew religion would stop violent revolutions

Upper Class benefited from the Tsar ’ s rule no gain from Communist change vain, selfish, could afford to leave

Middle Class Educated but did not attempt to prevent the destruction of Communist principles by Stalin ’ s regime

Working Class Ignorant & Dedicated Supported Communism Supported Stalin long after his true nature became clear Betrayed by Stalin

Working Class Intelligent & Sceptical People who in theory would benefit from upheaval but knew it wouldn ’ t probably wouldn ’ t work

The Kulaks Persecuted by Stalin Resisted giving up their land Were starved to death

Germany Pretended to be a friend to Russia and Stalin Hitler then attempted to invade Russia Allies Laid-back but more crafty than Germany Tehran Conference: both parties flattered each other but were ‘ cheating ’ each other