1. The Russian Revolution-1917

2. Angry about his father’s assassination
Progressive
(assassinated)
Crimean War (lost), freed the Serfs, universal education, limits rights of the nobility, private property rights.
Czar Alexander II
Conservative
Angry about his father’s assassination
Uses Secret Police, censors the media
Political prisoners sent to Siberia
Created pogroms – violent attacks against ethnic minorities (Jews & Poles)

3. Czar Nicholas II Nicholas was born into the throne Reign: 1894-1918
Wife: Alexandra (German born)
WWI, Nicholas goes to battlefront during war he allows his wife to run the country

4. 1914- World War I Russia is NOT prepared

5. The poor (majority of Russians) lived a very different life than Czar and Czarina. They had to wait in bread lines for food and often struggled with malnutrition and famine especially in times of war.

6. WWI Russia Nicholas II takes command Unprepared militarily
Poorly trained and ineffective officers & Poorly equipped soldiers
Unprepared technologically
Unprepared industrially

7. Resulting in… Tremendous amount of deserters
2 Million Deaths in 2 years ( )

9. Leading to… Increased call for revolution Citizens protest
Lack of confidence at home
Increased call for revolution

10. March Revolution-1917 Worker strikes because of Bread rationing
Strikers march on palace
“Duma” demands Nicholas step down
Alexander KERENSKI- forms/leads the “Provisional” government
Keeps Russia in the War (WWI)
Regiments begin to refuse to fight (vote with their feet)
Opposed by Lenin & “Bolsheviks” (большевики)

11. LENIN Leader of the “Bolsheviks” Dedicated to violent revolution
Bolshevik means majority, which they are not
Menshevik means minority [clever branding]
Dedicated to violent revolution
Overthrows the “Provisional” government
October Revolution
Makes separate peace with Germany-
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
Ends the war with Germany (surrender)
Gives lots of territory to Germany

13. The Royal Family?

14. Young Octobrists
Lenin’s wife is a teacher and recognizes the importance of raising the youth with the ideals of socialism, communism, etc.
Ages 7-9 (1st-3rd grade)

15. Komsomol Communist Youth League Ages 16-28 (High School & College)
Pre-party membership
Hired for better jobs at better companies
Accepted to better schools
FYI: Vladimir Putin was a member of the Komsomol

16. Russian Civil War
Until 1922 Russia was embroiled in a Civil War between the
REDS- Communists, and the
WHITES- who wanted anyone to rule but the Communists.
The United States entered this war on the side of the Whites
The REDS won the Civil War.
Estimates of 5-9 million deaths
In 1923 Russia and neighboring states become the U.S.S.R.