The Russian Revolution How do the Bolsheviks Communists

The Russian Revolution How do the Bolsheviks (Communists) come to power in Russia?

I. A BREWING REVOLUTION A. 1894: Nicholas II becomes the Czar of Russia, which was still a feudal society 1. Nicholas continues autocracy, tries to rule strictly, but is really a weak leader 2. He tries to increase industrialization by using foreign investors & raising taxes a. Industrialization is slow, plus problems like low pay & poor working conditions 3. 1904: Czar tries to take coal-rich Manchuria from Japan but loses Russo. Japanese War 4. 1905: Major protests begin against the Czar

B. Protestors try to deliver a petition to Nicholas II asking for reforms, but are met by the Czar’s army 1. Army opens fire on the crowd (Bloody Sunday, Jan. 22, 1905) 2. Nicholas is forced to create the Russian Duma (Parliament) 3. Reforms fail and Czar dissolves the Duma several times C. 1914: Russia involved in WW I 1. 1915: Nicholas takes command of troops, millions of Russian peasants killed in war

D. Czarina is running Russia & getting advice from Grigori Rasputin 1. Rasputin (a healer for her son w/ hemophilia) gives her poor advice E. Everyone hates Rasputin & the Romanov family! – Czar’s cousin Yusopov will kill Rasputin (many attempts) dies 12/30/16 F. Czar and his family will be killed (after abdication) 07/17/18 Ladies’ man! Czarina Alexandra Grigori Rasputin Alexei Romanov

II. 1917 March Revolution A. Russian people fed up with shortages – strikes/riots begin in St. Petersburg (Petrograd) 1. Nicholas II is forced to step down from power (abdicate) B. In steps a provisional government led by Alexander Kerensky 1. Kerensky’s gov’t decides to keep Russia fighting in WWI C. Many Russians are upset by this choice - economy/shortages worsen D. Communists demand change & begin forming soviets (local councils) 1. The soviets are made up of peasants, workers and soldiers – soviets begin gaining control/influence in Russia Down with the War!! We must honor our agreements! Down with the Autocracy!

III. The October (Bolshevik) Revolution A. Oct/Nov: Communists call for the Power to overthrow of the Provisional Govt. the 1. Mensheviks led by Martov favor a Soviets! Peace, Land & less violent overthrow - moderate Bread! 2. Bolsheviks led by Lenin & Trotsky favor a violent overthrow - radical Vladimir Lenin Speaks B. Bolsheviks take action, storm Winter Palace & seize govt. 1. Bolsheviks sign Treaty of Brest-Litovsk w/ Germany, ends war C. Many upset w/ treaty/Lenin’s rule, enemies of Bolsheviks form army 1. White Army is made up of pro-Czar, pro-Prov Gov & Mensheviks 2. Bolsheviks form the Red Army. D. 1918: Civil war breaks out between the Whites & the Reds 1. Leon Trotsky commands the Red Army E. 1920: Red Army wins, Lenin hopes Russian Rev will inspire worldwide communist rev