Russian revolution revision

1894 – Nicholas II becomes Tsar

Tsar Nicholas II becomes ruler after the death of his father, Alexander III, believing in autocracy, refusing to introduce democracy, leading to a poor and unequal Russia.

1904–1905 – Russo-Japanese War

Russia unexpectedly lost to Japan, resulting in national humiliation, worsened economic problems, and increased anger against the Tsar.

1905 – Bloody Sunday

A peaceful protest led by Georgy Gapon ended in soldiers opening fire, killing or wounding hundreds, collapsing trust in the Tsar and beginning the 1905 Revolution.

1917 – February Revolution

Caused by food shortages, inflation, and military defeats; women and workers protested, leading to Nicholas II's abdication and the end of over 300 years of Romanov rule.

1917 – Provisional Government

Led by Alexander Kerensky, it promised reforms but made major mistakes like staying in WWI, which caused its rapid decline in popularity.

1917 – October Revolution

Organised by Leon Trotsky, the Bolsheviks captured key points in Petrograd, leading to the collapse of the Provisional Government and Lenin becoming leader.

1918 – Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

Russia signed this treaty, losing significant territories including Ukraine and Poland, which caused opposition among many Russians.

1918–1922 – Russian Civil War

Civil war between Reds (Bolsheviks) and Whites (monarchists, liberals); the Reds won due to better leadership and organization.

War Communism (1918–1921)

Policies included state control of industry and grain requisitioning from peasants, leading to hardship and famine.

1921 – New Economic Policy (NEP)

Introduced by Lenin, allowing small private businesses and farmers to sell surplus food, leading to economic improvement.

1924 – Lenin dies

After Lenin's death, a power struggle ensued among various Bolshevik leaders, including Stalin and Trotsky.

1928 – First Five-Year Plan

Aimed for rapid industrialisation, resulting in significant growth in coal, steel, and electricity, but neglecting consumer goods.

1936–1938 – Great Purge

Stalin's campaign against perceived opponents led to widespread executions, imprisonments, and the infamous Show Trials.

1939 – Nazi-Soviet Pact

Stalin signed a non-aggression pact with Hitler, agreeing not to attack each other.

1945 – End of World War II

The Soviet Union emerged as one of the world’s superpowers, influencing Eastern Europe and beginning the Cold War.

1953 – Stalin dies

Stalin died on 5 March 1953, marking the end of a repressive era in Soviet history.