1 Introduction

• This series focuses on preparing students for the topics in IB History, specifically Imperial Russia, Revolution, and the Establishment of the Soviet Union (1855-1924).
• Critical examination of modernisation vs conservatism in Tsarist Russia leading to the Tsarist autocracy's downfall in 1917.
• Major events include the 1917 revolutions, the Civil War, and Lenin's governance.
• Emphasis on political events shaped by social, economic, and political interaction.

2 Themes

• Major themes guiding this resource include:
  • Emancipation reforms and militarisation during Alexander II (1855-81).
  • Nature of tsardom and social upheaval during Alexander III (1881–1894) and Nicholas II (1894-1917).
  • The Russo-Japanese War's consequences.
  • The significance of the 1905 revolution.
  • The First World War's impact on Russia.
  • February/March and October/November revolutions in 1917, and key figures like Lenin and Trotsky.
  • The establishment of the Soviet state from 1921 onward, including War Communism and the New Economic Policy (NEP).

3 Terminology and Definitions

• Definitions of key terms relevant to the course:
  • Autocracy: Complete authority in the hands of a single ruler.
  • Communism: Economic and social system for common good where means of production is communally owned.
  • Duma: Elected municipal or state council.
  • Kulak: Wealthy peasant.
  • Mir: Village commune managing peasant affairs.
  • Soviet: Elected council of workers, peasants, and soldiers.
  • Zemstva: Local government assemblies.

4 Key Concepts

• Focus on the following six key concepts throughout the chapters:
  • Change: Evolution of different political structures from Tsarist Russia to the USSR.
  • Continuity: Persisting elements in Russian governance.
  • Causation: Factors leading to significant changes in society and governance.
  • Consequence: Outcomes of historical events, including revolutions and reforms.
  • Significance: The impact of key events such as wars and revolutions.
  • Perspectives: Different interpretations of historical events, significantly the role of oppression and revolution.

5 Theory of Knowledge

• Connections to IB Theory of Knowledge will emerge through discussions of power, state definitions, ideological influences (especially Marxism), and historical recordings.
• Lenin’s ideological exploitation of history as propaganda post-1917 will be analyzed through the lens of Who writes history?

6 Background to the Period

Russia in 1855

• The Russian Empire, during Tsar Nicholas I's reign, displayed diverse ethnicities and a feudal structure reliant on serfdom.
• Nicholas I emphasized ‘Autocracy, Orthodoxy, Nationality’ as the guiding principles of governance, supported by a secret police system.

Economic Standing

• In 1855, severe underdevelopment was characterized by reliance on serfdom, minimal industrial output, and stark contrast between the aristocracy and serf populace.

7 The Crimean War

• The Crimean War (1853-1856) revealed Russia's inadequacies, leading Tsar Alexander II to initiate reforms post-war.
• The Treaty of Paris (1856) curtailed Russian naval power, influencing future policies.

8 Alexander II Reforms

8.1 Emancipation of the Serfs

• Key reason behind the reforms was the failure of serfdom. The Emancipation Edict (1861) aimed to modernize Russia for political stability and economic needs, granting personal freedom but leaving unresolved socio-economic issues.
  • Emphasis on military reform, education advancements, and legal system improvements followed.

8.2 Aftermath and Impact

• While seeking to limit political unrest, Alexander II's reforms inadvertently fueled opposition movements that ultimately led to his assassination in 1881.

9 Alexander III's Reactionary Policies

• Alexander III reinforced autocracy and instituted a conservative regime (the “Great Reaction”) characterized by repression, expansion of noble power, and Russification, especially impacting ethnic minorities and dissenting groups.

10 Nicholas II and the Decline of Tsarism

• Nicholas II's reign was marked by inability to adapt to changing political climates and social unrest, leading to instability in Russia amidst increasing opposition.

11 The 1905 Revolution

11.1 Causes

• The Russo-Japanese War's failures, exacerbated by internal unrest, catalyzed the 1905 Revolution, marked notably by Bloody Sunday.

11.2 Outcomes

• Resulted in the establishment of a State Duma and an October Manifesto, promising constitutional reform and rights, though often disregarded subsequently.

12 Lenin’s Rule (1917-1924)

12.1 Consolidation of Power

• Lenin overcame a challenging start following the October Revolution; foundational measures taken included state control of industry, land redistribution, and the Cheka’s establishment to suppress opposition.

12.2 Civil War

• The implementation of War Communism faced significant backlash leading to the NEP in 1921 following economic collapse from the civil war.

13 Conclusion and Further Reading

• Summary of expectations and outcomes for historical developments from 1855-1924 in Russia, suggesting future paths characterized by the interaction of ideology, power, and societal needs.
• Recommended readings provided for deeper analysis of topics tackled throughout the resource: Bromley et al., Darby, Service, Wood, and others on various aspects of Russian history.