1. Communist Revolution in Russia
End of a Czar

2. The Bolsheviks Who were they? Who was their leader?
Bolsheviks – Small Marxist group that came to power and prominence in Russia in the early 1900s
Who was their leader?
Led by Vladimir Lenin
What was their mission?
Wanted to overthrow the Czar (leader of Russia) and institute a government where the proletariat (industrial workers) would be in power

3. Russia Prior to the Revolution
Russia was ruled by a rich elite (bourgeoisie) who controlled all lands and means of making money
The working class (proletariat) was left poor and struggling trying to feed their families and survive
This created a great amount of tension as workers felt unappreciated and uncared for
This was very similar to the American industrialists and the working class

4. Key Factors Leading to Revolution
The great difference in wealth between the two classes of people – jealousy and anger
Russia’s disasterous involvement in World War I
Lost nearly every battle they were in
Many soldiers lost their lives or deserted
Created problems of starvation and disease in the major cities among civilians
Created a sense of anger and resentment in the army

5. Key Factors Leading to Revolution
Czar Nicholas’s lack of leadership with civilians and military
Left his wife in charge while off at war
Trusted a madman named Gregory Rasputin to help treat his son’s medical condition
Russian people thought Rasputin had control of the family
Rasputin was considered immoral as he was a thief, gambler, womanizer, and drunk – presented himself as a holy man with great powers
Many Russians felt he was in a relationship with the Czar’s wife

6. Revolution Begins
March 8, 1917 – Protests begin in Russian capital of Petrograd
Protestors were primarily soldiers, workers, and peasant classes of Russia
Protestors force Czar to disband the Duma
Duma – Legislative body (law makers) of the Russian Government – much like our Congress
Duma defies Czar’s order – Nicholas lost control of the entire Russian populace
March 15, 1917 – Czar Nicholas II abdicates (gives up) throne as leader of Russia
This event in March was called the “February Revolution”

7. The Provisional Government
Takes over after “February Revolution”
Many Russians were unhappy with this government…why?
They refused to get Russia out of World War I
No help in getting land and food to Russian people
Continued many of the same policies as the Czar
Leader of Government – Alexander Kerensky

8. Bolsheviks – Voice of Opposition
Led by Lenin and his followers
Movement became known as Marxism-Leninism
Lenin returned from exile in April 1917
Germans moved him back to create turmoil and get Russians out of the war

9. Bolshevik Revolution How did it start?
Failed military push against Germany and Austria led to a revolt among soldiers of Russian army
What was Lenin’s Revolution called by Russians?
The “October Revolution”
Started in November 1917
The Revolt was nearly bloodless and led to capture of Provisional Government and Lenin’s take over with Bolsheviks

10. Initial Actions by Lenin’s Government
What did Bolsheviks do for the Russian people?
Made Private Ownership of Land illegal
Gave land to the peasants and working classes
Seized control of Russian factories from wealthy owners
Gave workers control over the factories
Got Russians out of World War I
Made peace deal with Germany – lost land but gained popular support
Deal was made with Germany by Leon Trotsky – a top official under Lenin

11. The Civil War What started this Civil War?
The acceptance of a peace treaty with Germany that cost Russia territory
Civil War was fought between rival Bolshevik groups
White Russians – against Lenin
Political officials, Army officers, Wealthy Russians
Red Russians – fought for Lenin
Civil War led to a famine that killed millions of Russians
Red Army wins the Civil War – Lenin maintains power

12. Post Civil War – Birth of the Soviet Union
Lenin had to help people recover from Civil War and famine
Enacted the “New Economic Policy” – this was a plan that permitted farmers to sell food for a profit which stimulated the economy
Used Capitalism to get Socialist government running
Policy started in 1921
Encouraged more food production

13. Post Civil War – Birth of the Soviet Union
Lenin had name changed of Russia
Now called the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Known also as: USSR, Soviet Union
1924 – Lenin dies – a new Civil War starts over who would be in control of government

14. Question Slide 1 of 3
Who were the Bolsheviks and who was their leader?
What did the Bolsheviks see as their mission?
What was Russia like prior to the Revolution?
What were the key factors in Russia that led to Revolution?
When was the first revolution and what was it called? Who made up the protesters?

15. Question Slide 2 of 3
What is the Duma? What did Czar Nicholas II do to the Duma after the protests? What was the Duma’s response to the Czar?
When did Czar Nicholas II step down from leadership?
Why did the Russian people not like the provisional government that took over after the Czar? Who was the leader of the government?
Who helped to send Lenin back to Russia?

16. Question Slide 3 of 3 When was the “October Revolution”?
After Lenin takes over, what 3 things does his government do?
What led to the Civil War between White and Red Russians?
What was the “New Economic Policy”?
What did Russia become known in 1922? When did Lenin die?