7.5_Russian_Revolution_SHORT

The Russian Revolution

Leader: Vladimir Lenin led the revolution with the slogan "Peace, Land, and Bread."
- Key Issues:
  - Peace: Russia was involved in World War I, and there was widespread discontent due to military failures and heavy casualties.
  - Land: The agrarian society faced issues of land ownership—most were serfs, and there was a demand for land redistribution.
  - Bread: Food shortages and famine were prevalent as the war disrupted agricultural production, leading to mass dissatisfaction.

Peter the Great: Established an absolute monarchy for the Romanov Dynasty and attempted modernization.
Population: 90% were farmers, with 80% of those being serfs, making serfdom a major issue in society.

In 1894, Nicholas II became czar; his son Alexei suffered from hemophilia, leading to reliance on mystic Rasputin for medical aid.
Public Perception: Rasputin was viewed as having undue influence over the Romanov family, exacerbating public dissent.

Decembrists: Army veterans revolted for constitutional changes but were suppressed.
March Revolution of 1905 (Bloody Sunday): Workers demanded a new constitution; military response resulted in the death of 500-1000 civilians.

In 1905, riots and strikes called for change; Soviets (workers' councils) were established to address workers' grievances.
October Manifesto: Nicholas II created a Duma in response, yet unrest continued, leading to limited reforms.
Socialist Groups:
- Mensheviks: Advocated for the gradual development of a socialist society.
- Bolsheviks: Sought immediate action using force to establish socialism.

The Great War devastated Russia; low morale, severe shortages of food, and insufficient armaments left 76% of the military incapacitated.
March Revolution 1917: Riots emerged as the army joined the protests, leading to political upheaval.

Rasputin was murdered under suspicious circumstances in 1916; theories include poisoning and shooting.
Autopsy Findings: Hypothermia was cited as the cause of death.

Rasputin wrote a curse letter suggesting the demise of the Romanov family, which occurred in July 1918 when they were executed by revolutionaries.
Nicholas II's Abdication: On March 15, 1917, Nicholas II abdicated, marking the end of over 300 years of Romanov rule.

War Communism: The Bolsheviks implemented direct control over industry and food supply, executing political opponents and rebranding Russia as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1922.

From 1918-1921, a civil war erupted between Communists (Reds) and Anti-Communists (Whites), with Allies supporting the Whites to re-enter the Great War.
Red Leaders: Led by Lenin and Trotsky, they employed force and education strategies to maintain power.

A provisional government under Alexander Kerensky called for new elections and faced rivalry from Soviets demanding immediate reforms.

In November 1917, Lenin led a successful coup against the provisional government, claiming absolute power and dismantling the Duma.
The Bolsheviks established a socialist government, seizing control of all property and industries.

Lenin's death in 1924 led to a power struggle between Trotsky and Stalin, with Stalin ultimately taking control.
Five-Year Plan: Stalin initiated plans to enhance agricultural and industrial productivity.

The Russian Revolution mirrored the French Revolution, exhibiting a complete breakdown of existing society and the emergence of a new regime, in contrast to the American Revolution, which transformed government structures without dismantling societal systems.