1. Global History and Geography
Russian Revolution: Pre-1917

2. Global History and Geography
What is a Revolution?
A complete change in the way things are done
Sometimes peaceful
Sometimes violent
Russian Revolution = the overthrow of the Tsar’s government and the establishment of Communist Rule

3. Global History and Geography
Russo-Japanese War
1904/05 Russia and Japan fight over control of Korea and Manchuria
Tsar expects quick victory
Russia suffers defeat on land and sea
Japan destroys Russian Navy

4. Results of Russo-Japanese War
Global History and Geography
Results of Russo-Japanese War
Tsar becomes unpopular
Russia humiliated
Government seen as weak
Conditions for people get worse
Rising prices in food shortages/unemployment

5. Revolutionaries Respond
Global History and Geography
Revolutionaries Respond
Revolutionaries follow views of Karl Marx (2 groups)
Bolsheviks – radical small group led by Lenin
Mensheviks – not so radical

6. Global History and Geography
Bloody Sunday
January workers march to Winter Palace
Want better living and working conditions
Soldiers open fire – dead

7. Global History and Geography
The Revolution of 1905
Sparked by Bloody Sunday
Driven by working class
Wave of strikes and violence across country
Revolution failed due to lack of leadership.

8. Crisis: Tsar Nicholas II
Global History and Geography
Crisis: Tsar Nicholas II
Not a strong leader
Did not keep promises made to increase personal freedoms
Influenced by Rasputin

9. Global History and Geography
World War I ( )
Russia is forced to enter war
Russia suffers serious setbacks and losses in the war
Czar takes control of the army, leaves Alexandra to run Russia

10. World War I Results in: Global History and Geography
Widespread discontent
Desertion
Hatred of Tsar

11. Alexandra: The Power Behind the Throne
Global History and Geography
Alexandra: The Power Behind the Throne
Ran government during WWI
Rasputin controls Alexandra
Scandals surrounding Rasputin discredits monarchy

12. Summary: pre-Revolution Russia
Global History and Geography
Summary: pre-Revolution Russia
Repressive and ineffective regime of Romanov dynasty (Nicholas II)
Severe economic and social crisis in Russia
New Ideas of Marxism
Russia in WWI: “This isn’t war it is slaughter (Lenin)
Corruption in government
Differences between the rich and poor