RUSSIA SLIDES

Russia Timeline 1904 - 1945

Chapter 10 Overview

Learning Objectives

  • Standards:

    • SS.912.W.7.2: Describe the changing nature of warfare during World War I.

    • Remarks: Impact of industrialization, total war, trench warfare, destruction of landscapes, and human life.

    • SS.912.W.7.3: Summarize significant effects of World War I.

    • Remarks: Collapse of the Romanov dynasty, creation of the Weimar Republic, dissolution of empires (German, Russian, Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman), Armenian Genocide, Balfour Declaration, Treaty of Versailles.

    • SS.912.W.7.5: Describe rise of authoritarian governments in the Soviet Union and other countries.

    • Analyze policies of Lenin, Stalin, Mussolini, Hitler, and Franco.

    • SS.912.W.7.6: Analyze restrictions on individual rights and mass terror in various regimes.

    • SS.912.W.7.9: Identify wartime strategies and post-war plans of Allied leaders.

    • Remarks: Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin.

Major Themes

  • Fall of the monarchy and rise of communism.

  • Russification of the Soviet Union, self-determination principles.

  • Rise of Lenin, Bolshevik Party formation.

  • Stalin’s iron-fist rule and significant cultural changes during WWII.

Russia's Geography and Demographics

  • Size and Location: Russia covers 1/6 of the world's land surface.

  • Map Reference: Details about various regions including cities, borders, and neighboring countries.

Political Map of Russia (1914)

  • Noteworthy cities include:

    • Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, etc.

    • Borders with Finland, Poland, Mongolia, and more.

Historical Context

Russian Expansion in Asia (1533-1945)

  • Founding to Expansion: Maps highlight territorial acquisitions over centuries, referencing major rulers and expansion timelines through significant periods in Russian history.

The Fall of Tsarist Regime (1917)

  • Definitions of Key Terms:

    • Communists: Believers in a social, political, and economic theory emphasizing common ownership.

    • Tsarevich: The son of the Tsar.

    • Serfdom: Condition resembling slavery with minimal rights.

    • Commune: Villages with shared property and labor.

    • Kulak: Prosperous peasant class.

    • Repression: Use of spies and harsh punishments against opposition.

Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905)

  • Duration: February 8, 1904 - September 5, 1905.

  • Outcome: Japan forced Russia to abandon expansionist policies; first Asian power to defeat a European power.

    • Key Battles:

    • Battle of Port Arthur: Surprise attack by Japan, leading to its siege.

    • Battle of Mukden: Large land battle resulting in Russian defeat.

Background of Conflict

  • Rivalry Over: Territorial disputes in Manchuria and Korea led to escalating tensions.

  • Failed Negotiations: Japan’s offer to cede control of Manchuria was declined by Russia.

1905 Revolution (Bloody Sunday)

  • Key Events:

    • January 22, 1905: Peaceful protest led by Father Gapon ended in military violence, killing hundreds.

    • Resulted in widespread strikes and protests demanding reforms.

    • Establishment of worker councils (soviets).

  • Outcome: October Manifesto promised civil liberties and legislative assembly (Duma).

Challenges Facing the Tsar (Pre-1914)

  • Nicholas II’s Leadership Issues: Disregarded council advice, leading to widespread unrest.

  • Societal Inequality: Aristocracy held significant resources, while peasants composed 80% of the population.

World War I Involvement

  • August 1, 1914: Russia entered WWI to support Serbia under the Triple Entente.

  • Military Defeats: Significant losses began with the Battle of Tannenberg, where incompetence plagued leadership.

Political Developments (1917)

February Revolution

  • Beginnings: Sparked by protests over food shortages, escalating into a general strike.

  • Key Events: Soldiers mutinied against orders to fire on demonstrators, leading to Tsar Nicholas II’s abdication on March 2, 1917.

Provisional Government Formation

  • Key Members: Prince Lvov, Paul Milyukov, Alexander Kerensky.

  • Political Reforms: Abolished censorship, expanded suffrage, and created independent judiciary.

Lenin's Return and the Bolshevik Uprising

  • Lenin's Ideals: Focused on peace, land, and power to the Soviets while criticizing the Provisional Government.

  • July Days: Bolshevik protests led to credentials issues with both law enforcement and the provisional government.

  • October Revolution: Bolsheviks effectively seized control, leading to the establishment of a communist government.

Civil War (1918-1922)

  • Participants: Red Army (Bolsheviks) vs. diverse opposition (Whites, Greens, foreign armies).

  • Trotsky's Leadership: Key military strategies, including forging a disciplined army.

Economic Policies under Bolsheviks

War Communism Implementation

  • Goals: Government control over industries, rigorous worker discipline, and food rationing.

  • Result: Major famine led to thousands of deaths due to agricultural disruption.

New Economic Policy (NEP)

  • Introduction: Replaced War Communism in 1921; allowed some private enterprise to alleviate economic strain.

Post-War Developments and Totalitarianism

Establishment of the USSR

  • December 30, 1922: Official formation of the Soviet Union, profoundly restructuring governance.

Stalin's Rise and Policies

  • Death of Lenin (1924): Initiated Stalin's ascent as the power leader.

  • Five-Year Plans: Focused on rapid industrialization, military strength, and collectivization.

The Great Purge

  • Initiatives: Targeted perceived opposition within the Communist Party, leading to mass arrests and executions.

  • Political Repressions: Widespread fear ensued as many faced persecution.

Impact of WWII on the USSR

Key Operations and Events

  • June 22, 1941: Germany invades the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa).

  • Siege of Leningrad: Lasted for over 800 days, resulting in significant civilian casualties.

  • Battle of Stalingrad: Crucial victory for the Soviet Union, marking a turning point in the war.

  • Tehran Conference (1943): Allied leaders strategizing but revealing early tensions between the USSR and the US.

  • Capture of Berlin (1945): Culmination of WWII in Europe, contributing to the collapse of Nazi Germany and the onset of the Cold War.