1. Animal Farm Historical Background
The Russian Revolution

2. There was tremendous dissatisfaction among the people.
Russian Society
Russia was in an appalling state of poverty while the Czar, the ruler of Russia lived in luxury.
There was tremendous dissatisfaction among the people.

3. Czar Nicholas II
A poor leader, at best, when compared to western leaders
Cruel - sometimes brutal with opponents
Sometimes kind - hired poor students as spies to help them make money

4. Believed he was the unquestionable leader of Russia appointed by God
Czar Nicholas II
Believed he was the unquestionable leader of Russia appointed by God
Ordered unarmed protesters murdered in the streets in 1905

5. The Father of Communism
Karl Marx:
The Father of Communism

6. Karl Marx
Invented Communism
His vision– Everyone would have what they needed, and no one citizen would possess more than another.
1848– Published an influential pamphlet called the Communist Manifesto

7. believed that the private ownership of land must be abolished
Karl Marx
believed that the private ownership of land must be abolished
believed in “Communal” way of life where everyone shares in prosperity
Dies before Russian Revolution

8. All people are seen as equal.
Communism
All people are seen as equal.
Government owns everything-people own government

9. Vladimir Lenin Lenin adopted Marx’s ideas.
He believed that the bourgeoisie (middle class with money) exploited the workers and must therefore be overthrown.

10. Vladimir Lenin: Rise to Power
One of the leaders of the Bolshevik party since its formation in 1903
Led the Soviets to power in October, 1917 (The October Revolution)
Tried to manipulate all movement and communication within the country by taking control of the railroads and telegraph lines
(This would secure state authority for the Bolsheviks.)
Forbade the holding of private property

11. Understands the emotional impact of simple, powerful slogans:
Vladimir Lenin
Understands the emotional impact of simple, powerful slogans:
“Workers of the world unite!”
“Land, bread, and peace for everyone!”

12. Vladimir Lenin
Changes Russia’s name to the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics)
When Lenin died, there was a power struggle between Trotsky and Stalin.

13. Pure communist, followed Marx Wanted to improve life for all in Russia
Leon Trotsky
Pure communist, followed Marx
Wanted to improve life for all in Russia
Favors world revolution

14. Trotsky was a brilliant public speaker
Leon Trotsky
Trotsky was a brilliant public speaker
With Lenin, he succeeded in overthrowing the government in October 1917.
Lenin was the President, and Trotsky the Commissar for Foreign Affairs

15. Joseph Stalin Not a skilled speaker and not educated like Trotsky
Does not follow Marx’s ideas
Cares for power, kills all who oppose him
Uses KGB, allows church, and propagandized

16. Propaganda Department of Stalin’s government
Work for Stalin to support his image
Lies to convince the people to follow Stalin

17. Joseph Stalin
Stalin continually opposes Trotsky
Craves power, willing to kill for it
Benefits from the fact that education is controlled
Secures his power base, and engineers the permanent exile of his adversary, Trotsky, in 1929

18. Not really police, but forced to support Stalin
KGB-Secret Police
Not really police, but forced to support Stalin
Used force, often killed entire families for disobedience
Totally loyal, part of Lenin’s power, even over army
Eventually, they chase Trotsky away

19. From 1918 –1921 there was civil war in Russia
Foreign countries including Britain, France, Poland and USA were alarmed at the spread of communism but the Red Army (the Bolsheviks) led by Trotsky proved successful