1. Russian Revolution Timeline

2. Quick review: What were the three causes of the Russian Revolution?
In March 1917, an even known as the March Revolution occurs
Czar Nicholas is more or less forced to step down and a provisional government was established
The provisional government was not strong, opening the door for new, radical leadership

3. Political Parties
Bolshevik – Majority Communist faction that came to power during the Russian revolution. (Radical)
Menshevik – Minority Communist faction split from the Bolshevik (Moderate)
Together these parties made up the RSDLP – Marxist Russian Social Democratic Labor Party

4. March Revolution
In March 1917, women working in the textile industry began to strike
Eventually, this workers strike spread and over 200,000 workers were on strike shouting “Down with the Autocracy” and “Down with the War”
Initially the soldiers shot the protesters, but then they realized they had a common enemy and the soldiers sided with the people
Forced Czar Nicholas to step down and established a provisional (temporary) government

5. March Revolution
Textile workers on strike; 200,000 strong; gain support of army and force czar to step down; Russia in state of chaos

6. Bolshevik Revolution
In November 1917, the Bolsheviks removed the provisional government and assumed power
The Bolshevik Red Guard stormed the Winter Palace and took over government offices
Royal family murdered
Lenin ordered farmland to be distributed among peasants
Signed a peace treaty with Germany (Brest- Litovsk Treaty) humiliated Russia

7. Because many Russians were humiliated by the treaty, more and more people began to oppose the new Bolshevik government
Bolshevik Red Guard (Red Army) now faced an opponent, the White Army (those who supported the czar, wanted democratic government, or socialists who opposed Lenin’s style of socialism)
Civil War last from and eventually, Leon Trotsky led the Red Army to victory (14 million died)
After the revolution, Russia became a state-controlled society

9. Bolsheviks take over, killing royal family Give land to poor
Bolshevik Revolution
Bolsheviks take over, killing royal family
Give land to poor
Sign treaty with Germany
Civil War Breaks out
Russia becomes state-controlled society

10. Lenin Restores Order
Gave more freedom to small businesses (limited form of capitalism) (New Economic Policy)
1922 –Divided and renamed Russia - Union of Soviet Socialism Republics (USSR) – used to eliminate nationalism, a threat to the Bolsheviks
Renamed Bolshevik Party to Communist Party

11. 1921
New Economic Policy – Lenin reforms to establish a more capitalistic system

12. 1922
Russia becomes USSR
Lenin has stroke

13.
Stalin’s climb to the top

14. 1928
Stalin becomes absolute dictator and establishes Totalitarian state

15. 1929
Leon Trotsky exiled