History December 9

2.1 The Russian Revolution

  • Background:

    • During World War I, Russia was on the side of the Allies but faced significant hardships.

    • The Russian populace endured poverty and widespread political unrest, culminating in the 1917 revolution.

  • Russia Pre-1917:

    • By 1900, Russia was the world's largest country, noted for its grain production, population, and military force.

    • A significant disparity existed between the wealthy nobles and the impoverished populace, with 90% engaged in agriculture.

    • Even after the abolition of serfdom in 1861, farmers were poorly treated and struggled.

    • Rapid industrialization in cities was accompanied by low wages and long working hours.

    • Tsar Nicholas II ruled with absolute power; however, his authority diminished over time due to various factors, including violent suppression of dissent during the 1905 revolution.

  • Political Developments:

    • Formation of the Duma (parliament) after 1905 but it lacked real power.

    • Nicholas' inability to effectively address issues led to further dissent, which contributed to the revolutionary atmosphere.

2.2 The Fall of Tsar Nicholas II and Influence of Rasputin

  • Personal and Political Turmoil:

    • Tsar Nicholas II had five children; his heir, Alexei, suffered from hemophilia.

    • Grigori Rasputin, a mystic, gained influence through allegedly healing Alexei, which angered nobles.

    • Rasputin was assassinated by discontented nobles, yet this did not resolve the Tsar's challenges.

2.3 The February Revolution

  • Conditions Leading to Revolution:

    • The situation worsened due to World War I; soldiers were ill-prepared, and morale was low.

    • In February 1917, widespread protests erupted about food shortages, war, and the Tsar's rule.

  • Fall of Tsar:

    • Soldiers refused to follow orders to suppress demonstrators, leading to the Tsar's abdication and the formation of a socialist government.

2.4 The October Revolution and Lenin's Rise

  • Lenin's Return and Ideology:

    • Lenin, a professional revolutionary and proponent of Marxist ideas, aimed to establish a communist state.

    • He formed the Bolshevik party and promised bread, peace, and land, resonating strongly with the distressed populace.

  • Bolshevik Takeover:

    • On October 25, 1917, Bolsheviks successfully captured the Winter Palace, marking their control of the government.

    • Despite not winning majority support in initial elections, Lenin dissolved opposition and seized full control, establishing a dictatorship.

2.5 Stalin's Rule in the Soviet Union

  • New Economic Policy:

    • To combat famine, Lenin introduced the New Economic Policy, allowing some private commerce.

  • Stalin's Rise:

    • Following Lenin's death in 1924, a power struggle ensued, with Stalin emerging as the new leader.

    • Stalin aimed to industrialize the Soviet Union and suppress dissent, creating a totalitarian regime.

  • Economic Policies:

    • Stalin's Five-Year Plans prioritized rapid industrialization and collectivization of agriculture.

    • Kulaks (wealthy farmers) resisted collectivization; Stalin repressed them severely, resulting in millions suffering from famine, particularly in Ukraine.

  • Great Purge:

    • From 1936-1938, Stalin orchestrated the Great Purge, eliminating perceived political rivals through show trials and mass executions.

    • The secret police (NKVD) enforced Stalin's policies by instilling fear.

2.6 Adolf Hitler and the Nazis

  • Interbellum Discontent:

    • Post WWI, extreme nationalism surged, particularly in Italy under Mussolini, which inspired Hitler in Germany.

    • The Treaty of Versailles fueled resentment, leading to the rise of Hitler who promised to restore Germany's stature.

  • The Rise to Power:

    • Economic crises, particularly the Great Depression, enabled the Nazi Party to gain significant political influence.

    • Hitler was appointed Reich Chancellor in 1933 but quickly consolidated power and implemented totalitarian measures.

  • Hitler's Dictatorship:

    • Utilizing propaganda, indoctrination, and suppression, Hitler created a cult of personality.

    • Key events included the Reichstag Fire, leading to the Enabling Act, which allowed him to govern by decree.

    • The Night of the Long Knives (1934) eliminated leadership rivals within the Nazi Party.

    • Establishment of the Gestapo and concentration camps systematically oppressed political dissidents and targeted minority groups, leading to large-scale atrocities, including the Holocaust.

2.7 The Global Impact of Economic Crises

  • Impact of the Great Depression:

    • The 1929 Wall Street Crash triggered a global economic disaster, leading to widespread unemployment and poverty.

    • In Germany, the depression exacerbated existing tensions and contributed to the rise of Hitler's regime.

Key Terms and Definitions

  • Duma: Russian parliament.

  • Soviet: Revolutionary council in Russia; also, a citizen of the USSR.

  • Communism: Social organization where property is owned collectively, with each contributing and receiving according to need.

  • Bolshevik: Member of Lenin's political party.

  • Totalitarian State: Centralized government that controls every aspect of life.

  • Gulag: System of forced labor camps in the Soviet Union.

  • Gestapo: Nazi secret police.

  • Nazification: Implementation of totalitarian practices in Germany.