world civ test

What were the main causes of the Russian Revolution?

a corrupt and ineffective government under Czar Nicholas II, extreme poverty among peasants and workers, severe food shortages, and devastating losses in World War I that weakened the country and angered the people.

Why was there widespread dissatisfaction in Russia before 1917?

Most Russians were poor peasants living in harsh conditions, while a small upper class held wealth and power. The government failed to improve living conditions, creating anger and distrust.

How did World War I weaken Russia?

It caused massive casualties, economic problems, and low morale.

What were conditions like for peasants?

They were still poor, had little land, and worked under harsh conditions.

What were factory conditions like?

Long hours, low wages, unsafe conditions, and no worker protections.

What was Bloody Sunday?

Peaceful protesters were shot by Tsar’s troops, sparking nationwide unrest

What was the Bolshevik slogan?

“Peace, Land, and Bread.”

Why did people support the Bolsheviks?

They promised peace, land for peasants, and better conditions for workers.

Who was Lenin?

The leader of the Bolsheviks who led the communist revolution.

How did Lenin say problems should be solved?

Through direct action and armed uprising by the people.

Who did Lenin claim to represent?

Workers, peasants, soldiers, and the starving.

What was the Red Terror?

A campaign of violence to destroy the enemies of the Bolsheviks.

Who fought in the Civil War?

Red Army (Bolsheviks) vs. White Army (anti-communists).

Why did the Red Army win?

Better organization, leadership, and unity.

What was War Communism?

Government control of farms and industry during the Civil War.

What was the purpose of War Communism (1918-1921)?

To supply the Red Army during the Civil War by nationalizing industry and requisitioning grain

How did War Communism affect the population?

It caused famine, unrest, and resistance among peasants

What was the NEP?

A policy allowing some private business to rebuild the economy.

Why did Lenin introduce the New Economic Policy (NEP)?

To recover the economy after War Communism and gain popular support

What were the main features of the NEP?

Allowed small private businesses and some private farming while the state controlled major industries

What was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?

The agreement that ended Russia’s role in WWI.

What was a major consequence of leaving WW1?

Russia lost large amounts of land.

What is socialism?

Government control of major industries for public benefit.

What is communism?

A classless system where property is owned collectively.

What caused Lenin’s death?

A series of strokes.

Who did Lenin warn about?

Joseph Stalin.

What was the result of the revolution?

The creation of the Soviet Union, the first communist state.

Proletariat

working class

Soviet

a council of workers and soldiers

Cheka

early Soviet secret police force

Commissar

communist party official assigned to the army to teach party principles and ensure party loyalty

Who was Joseph Stalin

a Soviet political leader who ruled the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death in 1953

What were the results of the March Revolution?

Abdication of Nicholas II and establishment of the Provisional Government

What was the November Revolution

The Bolsheviks’ successful takeover of Russia, overthrowing the Provisional Government and setting the stage for the Soviet Union.

What did the Mensheviks socialist group support

• favored gradual reform

• favored higher wages, increased suffrage, and welfare programs

What did the Bolshevik socialist group support

• believed in radical change

• favored total revolution

What was the majority of Russia’s population like in 1900?

Mostly rural peasants, with widespread poverty and limited industrialization

What did the Emancipation Manifesto of 1861 do?

Abolished serfdom, but left peasants with debts and little land

Why was Rasputin assassinated in 1916?

It reflected political instability and dissatisfaction with Tsarina Alexandra’s influence

Who was Rasputin

Russian mystic and advisor who became very influential in the late Russian Empire, especially with the royal family.

What were the results of the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905)?

Russia lost, humiliating defeat that weakened the Tsar’s authority

What sparked the March Revolution of 1917?

Strikes, food shortages, and mutiny in Petrograd led to mass protests

What was the role of the Provisional Government?

It tried to continue the war effort and implement reforms but failed to address key issues like land and peace

How did the NEP differ from War Communism?

NEP relaxed strict government control, unlike the forced requisitioning under War Communism