Revolutions in Russia Introduction n The Russian Revolution

Revolutions in Russia

Introduction n The Russian Revolution was like a firecracker with a very long fuse. The explosion came in 1917, yet the fuse had been burning for nearly a century. The cruel, oppressive rule of most 19 th-century czars caused widespread social unrest for decades. Army officers revolted in 1825. Secret revolutionary groups plotted to overthrow the government.

n In 1881, revolutionaries angry over the slow pace of political change assassinated the reform-minded czar, Alexander II. Russia was heading toward a full-scale revolution.

Czars Resist Change

End to Reform In 1881, Alexander III becomes czar and ends the reforms of his father, Alexander II. n Alexander III institutes autocratic rule, suppressing all opposition and decent. n

Czars Continue Autocratic Rule n Government censors written criticism; secret police monitor schools n Non-Russians living in Russia are treated harshly

Anti-Jewish Pogroms Jews become target of government backed pogroms (organized persecutions) n Alexander III encourages Jewish emigration to the United States during this time. The musical Fiddler on the Roof is set in this era. n

n In 1894, Nicholas II becomes czar and continues autocratic ways

Russia Industrializes

Rapid Industrialization n Number of factories doubles between 1863 and 1900, but Russia still lags behind other European countries. n In late 1800 s, new plan boosts steel production and a major railway begins

The Revolutionary Movement Grows Industrialization breeds discontent over working conditions and wages. n Growing popularity of Marxist idea that proletariat (workers) will rule n Bolsheviks—Marxists who favor revolution by a small committed group n

Lenin n Lenin—Bolshevik leader—an excellent organizer and inspiring leader

Crisis at Home and Abroad

The Russo-Japanese War n Defeat in the Russo-Japanese War in the early 1900 s causes unrest in Russia.

Bloody Sunday: The Revolution of 1905 In 1905, 200, 000 workers march on the czar’s palace to demand reforms n The army fires into the crowd, killing many n Massacre leads to widespread unrest; Nicholas if forced to make reforms n

The short lived Duma The Duma, Russia’s first parliament, meets in 1906 n Czar is unwilling to share power, dissolves the Duma after only 10 weeks n

World War I: The Final Blow n Heavy losses in World War I reveal government’s weakness n Nicholas goes to war front; Czarina Alexandra runs government in his absence

Czarina falls under the influence of Rasputin—a mysterious “holy man”— who she believes has the power to heal her son. n Nobles fear Rasputin’s influence and murder him n Army losing effectiveness; people at home are hungry and unhappy n

The March Revolution

First Steps In March 1917, strikes expand; soldiers refuse to fire on workers. n Most of the tension is caused by Nicholas II personally taking command of the military in World War I, and the war going so badly. n

The Czar Steps Down n March Revolution—protests become uprising; Nicholas abdicates throne n Duma establishes provisional, or temporary government n Soviets—committees of Socialist revolutionaries—control many cities

Lenin Returns to Russia n In April 1917, Germans aid Lenin in returning from exile to Russia (pictured in disguise with his goatee shaved and wearing a wig).

The Bolshevik Revolution

The Provisional Government Topples n In November 1917, workers take control of the government

Bolsheviks in Power n Lenin gives land to peasants, puts workers in control of factories n Bolsheviks sign treaty with Germany; Russia pulls out of World War I

Civil War Rages in Russia n Civil War between Bolsheviks’ Red Army and loosely allied White Army n Red Army wins three-year war that leaves 14 million dead

Comparing World Revolutions n Russian and French Revolutions are similar —both attempt to remake society and use violence against citizens who resist these changes.

Lenin Restores Order

New Economic Policy n In March 1921, Lenin launches New Economic Policy; has some capitalism n NEP and peace restore economy shattered by war and revolution n By 1928, Russia’s farms and factories are producing again

Political Reforms n Lenin creates self-governing republics under national government n In 1922, country renamed Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U. S. S. R. ) n Communist Party—new name taken by Bolsheviks from the writings of Marx

Stalin Becomes Dictator

A New Leader Trotsky and Stalin compete to replace Lenin after Lenin’s death n Joseph Stalin— cold, hard Communist Party general secretary in 1922 n Leon Trotsky Joseph Stalin

n n Stalin gains power from 1922 to 1927 Lenin dies in 1924 Stalin gains complete power in 1928; Trotsky is forced into exile. Trotsky is murdered in Mexico City in 1940 by an NKVD agent. Room where Trotsky was murdered (above); Trotsky’s murderer, NKVD agent, Romón Mercader (right).