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Notes on Russian Autocracy and Revolutionary Movements

Overview of Russian Autocracy Under Tsars

  • Tsar Nicholas II: Last ruler of the Romanov dynasty.
  • Came to power during a time of intense dissatisfaction and potential for reform.
  • Despite enlightenment ideals, he doubled down on autocracy.

Autocratic Rule and Its Challenges

  • Alexander III's Influence:
  • Increased police state measures; spies monitored citizens.
  • Targeted educators and dissenters, creating a climate of fear.
  • Disconnect from Citizens:
  • As autocracy grew, more out of touch with realities of everyday life.
  • Tsar Nicholas lived in comfort while subjects suffered economically and politically.

Prelude to World War I

  • Failure in Modernization:
  • Tsar Nicholas II did not implement necessary reforms.
  • Russia fell behind on industrialization compared to Western countries.
  • Military Embarrassments:
  • Russo-Japanese War: First major defeat by a non-Western power; diminished national pride.
  • World War I: Poor military strategy and inability to support troops effectively caused further discontent.

Rise of Dissatisfaction

  • Bloody Sunday (1905):
  • Factory workers protested poor working conditions outside Winter Palace.
  • Tsar Nicholas ordered military to disperse crowd; resulted in deaths, inflaming public anger.
  • Creation of the Duma:
  • Attempt to appease the populace by establishing a legislative body.
  • Dissolved shortly after due to fears of losing autocratic power.

Growing Revolutionary Sentiments

  • Social Conditions:
  • Industrial strife led many to consider communism as a solution.
  • Suffering working class more receptive to revolutionary ideas.
  • **Communist Ideologies: **
  • Karl Marx: Advocated for proletariat uprising against bourgeoisie.
  • Two main factions emerged:
    • Mensheviks: Advocated for a gradual approach to communism; sought public support through education and patience.
    • Bolsheviks: Led by Lenin; demanded immediate revolution and radical change.

The Role of Key Figures

  • Vladimir Lenin:
  • Charismatic leader of the Bolsheviks; sought an immediate revolutionary upheaval.
  • Disliked by Tsar and forced into exile but eventually returned to Russia.
  • Rasputin:
  • Self-proclaimed holy man with influence over the royal family, especially Tsarina due to his purported healing abilities.
  • Contributed to public mistrust as he gained power in Nicholas's absence.

March Revolution and Aftermath

  • March Revolution (1917):
  • Mass protests regarding food shortages and war efforts led to abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.
  • Civil War (1917-1922):
  • Red Army (Bolsheviks) vs. White Army (anti-Bolsheviks).
  • Red Army led to victory, establishing the Soviet Union.

Economic Changes Under Lenin

  • NEP (New Economic Policy):
  • Recognized failures of strict communism leading to economic decline.
  • Blended capitalism with communism through limited private enterprise.
  • USSR Establishment:
  • Emphasis on state-controlled industries and some private entrepreneurship allowed.

Transition of Power and Stalin's Rule

  • Stalin's Rise:
  • Post-Lenin, he led the Soviet Union towards totalitarianism.
  • Focused on rapid industrialization and consolidation of power.
  • Brutal Policies:
  • Implemented purges and oppressive measures to maintain authority.
  • Public Perception:
  • Surprising successes in industry amid Great Depression in the U.S., leading some to consider moving to the Soviet Union.

Conclusion

  • The Russian Empire transitioned from autocracy to revolution and civil war, leading to the establishment of the Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin, marked by significant political and social upheavals that transformed the nation.