1. What took place in 1917 that changed the progression of the war?

2. U.S angered in 1915: The sinking of the Lusitania
All aboard: The Lusitania arriving in New York City circa 1907

3. But, U.S entry not until April of 1917, triggered by the Zimmerman Telegram 3

4. In January of 1917, British cryptographers deciphered a telegram from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to the German Minister to Mexico, von Eckhardt, offering United States territory to Mexico in return for joining the German cause.
In an effort to protect their intelligence from detection and to capitalize on growing anti-German sentiment in the United States, the British waited until February 26 to present the telegram to Woodrow Wilson. The American press published news of the telegram on March 1.
On April 6, 1917, the United States Congress formally declared war on Germany and its allies.
What-Did-the-Zimmermann-Telegram-Say html

5. In 1917, the U.S enters and Russia leaves: The Russian Revolution begins in 1917
Vs.
"If I am killed by common men, you and your children will rule Russia for centuries to come; if I am killed by one of your stock, you and your family will be killed by the Russian people!"
– Rasputin 5

6. Causes of Russian Revolutions
Russia was defeated in war with Japan in 1905
Angry peasants (no land or food)
Incompetent leader- Czar Nicolas II
Military defeats and high casualties in World War I.
Russia entered World War I as an absolute monarchy with a great divide between classes. The grievances of workers and peasants were not resolved by the Czar. This led to revolution…
Russian-Revolution-Part-1 6

7. Who were the Bolsheviks?
Means "majority" in Russian.
Became the communist party in Russia.
Promised to improve working conditions for the poor.
The Bolsheviks financed their work by party supported robberies –referred to as “regrettable necessities”. Only individuals or institutions carrying state funds were targeted.
The leader of the Bolsheviks was V.I. Lenin.
“We cannot be guided by the mood of the masses; that is changeable and unaccountable. The masses have given their confidence to the Bolsheviks and ask from them not words but deeds.” (Lenin)   7

8. V.I. Lenin Sent into exile during 1st Russian Revolution.
Brought back to Russia by the German government
Led “Reds” in the civil war against the “Whites.”
When the Russian Empire collapsed in 1918, Lenin became the 1st premier of the new Soviet Union in 8

9. What happened to the royal family?9

10. The last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II.
Czar and family sitting for a portrait, just before they were gunned down by the Bolsheviks. 10