Russian Revolution

Brest-Litovsk Treaty

Treaty signed in March 1918, taking Russia out of WW1 by ceding territory to Germany due to German advances.

Left Socialist Revolutionary Uprising

June 1918 - Left SR party revolted against Bolshevik policies, murdered German ambassador, including the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk and refusal to defend Ukraine from German occupation, but the uprising was quickly suppressed

New Economic Policy (NEP)

Introduced in 1921, temporarily allowing private enterprise and market economics by Lenin.

Troika

Formed Dec 1924, temporary ruling group formed by Stalin, Kamenev, and Zinoviev after Lenin's death, marking the start of Stalin's rise to power. Stalin campaigns to undermine Trotskys influence and accuses him of being counter-rev —> exiles him

First Five-Year Plan

Stalin's economic program launched in 1927 for rapid industrialization and collectivization to modernize the Soviet economy.

Holodomor Famine

Man-made famine in Ukraine from 1932-1933, caused by Stalin's policies, resulting in millions of deaths and considered a deliberate act of genocide.

Execution of Tsar Nicholas

Tsar and family were executed by Bolsheviks in summer 1918

Civil War

Stars July-August 1918. New-regime Bolshevik Red Army against White Army (groups opposed to Bolsheviks). Fanya Kaplan attempts to assassinate Lenin which increases terror and insecurity

Decree abolishing religion and separating church and state

Occurs in 1918, part of the Bolshevik's broader anti-religious policies aimed at weakening the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Comintern

The Third International was created in March 1919 to try to spread communist ideology and revolutions to other countries

‘War Communism’ and grain

Peasants uprise against grain requisitioning who take their grain by force because of famine conditions (1920)

NEP

Introduced in 1921, some aspects of capitalism to boost economic productivity —> some businesses and men benefit, “NEP men”

USSR

Formed in 1922 consolidating the Bolshevik regime's control over a unitary state of Soviet republics.

Lenin’s death

Lenin falls ill and Stalin and Trotsky struggle for power. Bolsheviks reinstitute bans on private property around this time as well. He dies in January 1924

Second 5 Year Plan

Transition to 2nd 5 year plan in Dec 1932. prioritizing heavy industry to elevate the Soviet Union's steel production. Despite successes, especially in transportation, the plan falls short in coal and oil production. Also promotes women in work force, anti-religoin, and pro collectivization

Great Purge

Initiated in 1936 following assasination of Bolshevik leader and friend to Stalin, Sergei Kirov. Show trials occur 36-38 and the military leadership is purged 37-39

Signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact

Pre-WW2, in May 1939 the soviet union signs non-agression pact w/ Nazi Germany and divides Eastern Eur. into their spheres of influence. In Sep, the war begins as Germany then Russia invades Poland