Learning to Lead our Lives Skill Interpretations Communication

“Learning to Lead our Lives” Skill: Interpretations Communication NGf. L: Russia 1900 -1924

What do you think has happened?

Its all a question of timing! In 1917 Russia was still using the JULIAN calendar. The rest of Europe used the GREGORIAN calendar which was 13 days ahead. It can be confusing about when the two revolutions in 1917 took place!

Why was the Tsar forced to abdicate in March 1917? Skill: Causation Key skill: Empathy You will be given a character from Russia 1914 – 1917. Watch the following presentation and work out: 1. Why these events happened 2. How your character was involved in the 1 st Russian Revolution !

The characters in this story: Russian Soldier fighting the Germans Upper class noble Russian soldier in Petrograd Samsonov – top Russian general leader of one Russian army Minister in charge of organising food who is disliked by Rasputin Tsar Deserter from the Russian Army Tsarina Worker in Petrograd Woman in Petrograd Alexis Rasputin Peasant Minister of War Member of Duma

Events 1914 – March 1917 August 1914 World War I started. Russia declared war on Germany and troops were mobilised. The Tsar was very popular. September 1914 The two main Russian armies were defeated in the battles of Masurian Lakes and Tannenberg.

End of 1914 Over 1 million Russian soldiers were now dead. Russia’s industry could not produce enough weapons to supply all the soldiers. The army lacked supplies, and the officers were sometimes incompetent. 1914 – 1915 There were shortages of food, coal and industrial materials in the cities. Prices rose and factories closed. The government was blamed.

September 1915 The Tsar decided to leave Petrograd and go to the Western Front to run the Russian Army. The Tsarina and Rasputin were left in charge, and were very unpopular, even among the aristocracy. Rasputin persuaded the Tsarina to replace ministers that he did not like with his friends. The organisation of the supply of food to the cities broke down. Winter 1916 The winter was a bad one. Hardly any food or fuel got into Petrograd. Huge bread queues formed and prices rocketed.

7 th March 1917 The situation was desperate. 40, 000 workers at the Putilov factory went on strike. 8 th March 1917 International Women’s Day. Thousands of women joined the demonstrations. The protestors demanded food, fuel and a new government.

12 th March 1917 The Tsar ordered that the army fire on the protestors. Many soldiers refused and joined the demonstrations. Soldiers and workers marched to the Duma to demand that it took control of Russia. 15 th March 1917 The Tsar tried to get back to Petrograd but the railway workers stopped him. He was forced to flee.

Why was the Tsar forced to abdicate in March 1917? Skill: Causation Key skill: Empathy In your pair with your character card you must talk for 2 minutes about : 1. Your feelings toward the Tsar 2. Your feelings about the war 3. How your country is being run 4. You must consider the knowledge your character would have and the way they were likely to react to the different events and characters. Warning: You should be prepared to answer questions at the end of your talk!

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