Soviet Russia Part 1 Lenin National Collapse Backwardness
Soviet Russia: Part 1 Lenin
National Collapse • Backwardness of Russia • Tsar Nicholas II took control of Army • Empress Alexandra/ Rasputin and Alexei.
End of the Tsarist Regime • 1917, Petrograd Strikes eruptedprotests over war, shortage of food, runaway inflation and distrust of the Tsars govt. • Nicholas II ordered suppression of demonstrations/ Troops joined the demonstrations • Tsar Abdicates March 15 • February Revolution
The Provisional Government • Duma becomes Provisional Government • Headed by liberals • Alexander Kerensky • P. G. - promised reforms including plans for a constituent assembly and new democratic constitution
The Provisional Government • Their goal was to move the nation toward democracy and continue the war as a loyal western ally. • The Provisional Government was made up of middle-class and intellectual leaders and had little contact or sympathy with the problems or concerns of the workers or peasants.
Creation of Soviets • workers, soldiers, and sailors in Petrograd, responding to a call issued by socialist leaders, elected the Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies • Soviets took control of Petrograd city government • Initially supported the Provisional Government
Bolshevik Program • Vladimir I. Lenin • April Theses • All power to the Soviets • World Revolution against capitalism • Nationalize factories and banks • “Peace, Land Bread”
Policies of Provisional Government • P. G. conflicted in how to help peasants while recognizing private property • Continue war effort against Central Powers • Failed major offensive in 1917 Russian soldiers running from Germans
The July Days • July Days- Revolts against Lvov and P. G. ’s failures • Lvov stepped down as Prime Minister over the land question. • Alexander Kerensky became the Prime Minister • Bolsheviks and Lenin go underground
The Kornilov Affair • Bolsheviks orchestrate a general strike while Kerensky form a constituent assembly • Many conservatives turn to the PG commander in chief, General Kornilov, as their leader • Kerensky dismisses Kornilov • Kornilov Affair
The November Revolution • Provisional government continued to be unproductive • Bolsheviks saw their opportunity • Creation of a Politburo • Red Guard/ Leon Trotsky
The November Revolution • Kerensky moved to late against Bolsheviks • Kerensky attempted to form a 2 nd constitutional assembly • Failed because moderates new Bolsheviks would dominate despite not being the majority. • Moderates walked out leaving power with Bolsheviks • New Regime
November Revolution • Council of People’s Commissars • Lenin- Chairman • Trotsky-commissar of foreign affairs • Stalin- commissar for nationalities
- Slides: 13