2. Russian Revolution & Beyond

3. Civil Unrest
Prior to the revolution, Russia had been dominated by czars for hundreds of years
The social structure was largely unbalanced
A small percentage of elites enjoyed most privileges.
Most people suffered in dire poverty with few rights.

4. WWI
Russia suffered tremendous losses during the early years of World War I
Approximately 2,000,000 Russians were killed in 1915 alone.
Russia hadn’t began to industrialize and this weakened their war effort
Troops lacked needed supplies
The weapons they had were inferior to their enemies.

5. WWI Problems Continued
In an attempt to bolster morale, Czar Nicholas II went to the front lines to assume control of the military
Russia was left under the control of Nicholas’ wife Alexandra.

6. March Revolution
Revolutionaries forced the Czar to abdicate and a provisional government was established.
This government makes a critical mistake and decides to continue Russian involvement in World War I.
Russian citizens are angered by this decision and it leaves the door open to further revolution.

7. Vladimir Lenin
Lenin believed the Marxist ideas could be applied to Russia’s social structure.
He returns from exile in Switzerland in April 1917 and is greeted warmly by the Russian people.
Lenin vowed to end Russian participation in WWI.

8. November (October) Revolution
In November of 1917, Lenin and the Marxist revolutionaries (Bolsheviks) overthrow the provisional government.

9. W W I Bolsheviks In Charge
Lenin signs the treaty of Brest-Litovsk officially ending Russian participation in WWI. W W I

10. Death of Lenin
In 1924 Vladimir Lenin dies.

11. Joseph Stalin Stalin assumes power in Russia following Lenin’s death.
Stalin’s ideas regarding government power and control are much more aggressive that Lenin’s

12. Stalin’s Totalitarian State
A single party dominated politics and made all decisions
Communist ideology replaced religion and nothing was allowed to come before the state.