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.

Background on Russia

Monarchy and Society

• 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.

Nicholas II and Rasputin

Monarch's Challenges

• 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.

Demand for Reform

Early Revolts

• 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.

Rise of Socialism

Popularity of Socialism

• 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.

Consequences of World War I

Impact of the War

• 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.

The Fate of Rasputin

Controversy Surrounding Rasputin's Death

• Rasputin was murdered under suspicious circumstances in 1916; theories include poisoning and shooting.

• Autopsy Findings: Hypothermia was cited as the cause of death.

The Fall of the Romanovs

Final Days of the Royal Family

• 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.

Rise of the Communists

Post-Revolution Control

• 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.

Civil War and Opposition

Conflict and Opposition Forces

• 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.

Provisional Government

Temporary Governance

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

The Bolshevik Revolution

Seizure of Power

• 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.

Transition to Stalin's Leadership

Stalin's Rise

• 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.

Nature of the Revolution

Distinctions from Other Revolutions

• 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.