The Communist Revolution in Russia, c.1917-1945

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to the Communist Revolution in Russia from 1917 to 1945, highlighting important figures, events, and concepts.

Communist Revolution

A significant political upheaval in Russia during the early 20th century, leading to the establishment of a communist government after the fall of Tsar Nicholas II.

Tsar Nicholas II

The last Emperor of Russia, ruling from 1894 until his abdication in 1917 during the Russian Revolution.

Proletariat

The working class of society, particularly in urban settings, who labored under harsh conditions and were significant in revolutionary movements.

Bolsheviks

A faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party that led the October Revolution in 1917, advocating for a socialist state.

Mensheviks

The faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party that opposed the Bolsheviks, believing in a more democratic and gradual approach to socialism.

Duma

The legislative body in the Russian Empire created after the 1905 revolution, which had limited powers and was often undermined by the Tsar.

Okhrana

The secret police of the Tsarist regime, responsible for suppressing political dissent and maintaining state security.

Socialist Revolutionaries

A political party in Russia that aimed to overthrow the Tsar and redistribute land to the peasants.

October Manifesto

A document issued by Tsar Nicholas II in October 1905, promising civil liberties and the establishment of a Duma.

Kulaks

Wealthy peasants who emerged as landowners in Russia, especially after agricultural reforms allowed buying and combining plots.

Rasputin

A mystic and confidant of the Russian royal family whose influence, particularly over the Tsarina, contributed to the public's discontent.

Civil War (1917-1922)

A multi-party war in Russia that followed the October Revolution, primarily between the Red Army (Bolsheviks) and the White Army (anti-Bolsheviks).

Lenin's April Theses

A series of directives by Vladimir Lenin advocating for 'Peace, Land, and Bread' and calling for the Bolsheviks to take power.

Dual Power

The coexistence of the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet after the abdication of the Tsar in 1917.

Bloody Sunday (1905)

A massacre of peaceful protestors in St. Petersburg, which galvanized opposition to the Tsar and led to the 1905 (nearly) Revolution.