THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION
One of the most important consequences of World War I was the Russian Revolution of 1917. This revolution
was to have far-reaching effects on the world. To understand the causes of the revolution, it is necessary to
first examine developments taking place in Russia earlier in the nineteenth century.
CAUSES OF THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION:
1. Autocratic Czars
The Russian Tsars (emperors) ruled as autocrats (absolute rulers). Through a network of secret police
and strict censorship, the people were strictly controlled.
2. Huge gap between aristocratic nobles and peasants
Peasants and factory workers lived in conditions of terrible
poverty, while the landowning nobles enjoyed lives of wealth
and leisure.
3. Lack of supplies and training for the army
Poorly trained and badly equipped soldiers suffered disastrous
defeats. In some cases, troops were even sent into battle
without ammunition. They were told to pick up the weapons of
their dead comrades.
4. Catastrophic losses in WWI
Mounting defeats led to widespread discontent in the army.
5. Shortages of food and materials on the homefront
Food supplies at home were dangerously low. Industries were incapable of producing enough supplies.
Under these conditions, Russia was ripe for a revolution…
“BLOODY SUNDAY”
In 1905, troops of Tsar Nicholas II trampled and opened fire on unarmed, peaceful demonstrators in
St. Petersburg. Although an exact number was never released, it is believed that 500-1000
demonstrators were killed that day. This event became
known as “Bloody Sunday”. As a result of this event,
revolutions broke out across the country. Peasants seized
lands, while workers in the cities engaged in
demonstrations and general strikes.
Tsar Nicholas II finally granted limited reforms, creating an
elected legislature known as the Duma. However, only the
very wealthy could vote for members to the new
assembly.
“FEBRUARY REVOLUTION”:
In 1917, worker-led food riots broke out in cities all
across Russia. When soldiers refused to fire on striking workers in March 1917, Nicholas
realized he was powerless to govern the nation. As a result, Nicholas gave up his throne, and
the leaders of the Duma declared Russia a republic. However, the provisional government that
replaced the Tsar failed to win the support of the people when it refused to withdraw from the
war.
“OCTOBER REVOLUTION”:
Vladimir Lenin was a follower of Karl Marx, living in
exile in Switzerland. The Germans sent him back to
Russia by railroad, hoping he would cause unrest in
Russia. This would help to end the war on the Eastern
front, allowing Germany to concentrate on defeating
the Western allies. Lenin’s supporters, known as the
Bolsheviks, promised “Peace, Bread, and Land”:
peace to the soldiers, bread to the workers, and land to
the peasants. The Bolsheviks seized power by force in
a second revolution in November 1917.
The Bolsheviks changed the name of their political party to the Communists. They also
changed the name of their country to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.)
or “Soviet Union.” Russia had become the world’s first Communist country.
Once in power, the communists immediately withdrew from the war against Germany. They transferred
millions of acres of land to the poorer peasants. Workers were organized to control and operate factories,
and all industries were nationalized (taken over by the government)…
THE RUSSIAN CIVIL WAR: (1919-1921)
A civil war followed between those who supported Lenin’s program, known as
the “Reds”, and those who wished to return to the rule of the Tsar, known as the
“Whites”. Several foreign powers, including the United States, intervened,
sending troops to help the “Whites”. Parts of the old Russian Empire even tried
to break away. The Red Army, however, enjoyed greater support from peasants
and workers. Lenin also took drastic measures, like executing Tsar Nicholas II
and his family in cold blood, so that the monarchy could never be restored. After
two years of fighting, the Reds defeated the Whites. This victory secured Russia
as the first Communist country in the world.
After half a decade of turmoil, the Russian economy was in shambles. Now
that the Bolsheviks had gained political control, they needed to deliver on
their promises to feed the people…
LENIN’S NEW ECONOMIC POLICY:
By 1921, a severe famine was facing Russia. Lenin came to the conclusion that Communist policies must be
temporarily put aside to avoid disaster.
Lenin’s goal was to keep the peasants satisfied and to keep the Bolsheviks in power. Lenin introduced
Causes
the Newof the Revolutions
Economic inN.E.P.,
Policy, or Russia:in which some private ownership was permitted in small-scale
manufacturing and agriculture. Meanwhile, the government continued to control major industries.
The N.E.P. succeeded in slowly increasing production. The policy seemed to be working when Lenin died
in 1924. Although many though Leon Trotsky, leader of the Red Army, would succeed Lenin, Joseph
Stalin
managed to gain control becoming one of the most infamous leaders in history.
Russian Revolutions
Chapter 30
“Bloody Sunday”
What was the result?
“February Revolution”
Result:
“October Revolution”
Who were the Bolsheviks?
What did Lenin promise the people?
Lenin’s Economic Policy:
Russian Civil War Goal:
REDs Vs. WHITEs
Reds:
Whites:
Who took control of
