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The Russian Revolution. Background. Ivan the Terrible. Ruled in the 16 th Century The First Tsar of Russia Transformed Russia from medieval state into huge multi-ethnic empire Absolutist government Compensated nobles (decreasing their power) by increasing their control over the people
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The Russian Revolution Background
Ivan the Terrible • Ruled in the 16th Century • The First Tsar of Russia • Transformed Russia from medieval state into huge multi-ethnic empire • Absolutist government • Compensated nobles (decreasing their power) by increasing their control over the people • He creates Serfdom – similar to feudalism – where the farm laborers belong to the Local Lord
The Serfs of Russia • Serf represented over 95% of the Russian population in the 19th Century • The Tsars had increasingly taken away any rights that they had • By the 19th century, they were basically salves • Russia had the highest poverty and illiteracy rates in Europe • While the rest of Europe was struggling with Liberalism and the impacts of the enlightenment – the Tsars still ruled with absolute power and divine right
The Decembrist Revolt • In 1825, a group of young Military officers – The Decembrists – attempt to prevent the coronation of Tsar Nicolas the 1st • Crushed by Nicolas – who become violent and reactionary towards his own people • Allowed no political reform
Alexander the 2nd • Nicolas was replaced by Alexander II • Alexander realized the backwards nature of his nation and wished to initiate reform • He rapidly industrialized the country, abolished serfdom and conquered land all the way to the pacific ocean • Russia faced an immense amount of challenge – the social upheaval of industrialization, the transformation of the countryside and dozens of new ethnicities were brought into the nation • Unhappy peasants, unhappy working class and nationalist revolts were typical of Alexander’s Reign • He was forced to become repressive to hold the country together • He was assassinated in 1880 by revolutionaries – just before his greatest reform – the DUMA – a British style Parliament
Nicholas the 2nd • Indecisive, weak and lacking leadership skills • Inherited a country full of problems • 1905, absolutely embarrassed by the loss of the Russo-Japanese war • The country lost confidence in his leadership.
Nicholas’ Reign • 1905 Revolution – started when over 100 workers and a priest were killed by police during a protest – lead to political terrorism, strikes, peasant revolts and mutinies • In response, Nicholas allowed a Duma. • However, the revolution ended when Russian Prime Minister PyotrStolypin hanged 1000+ people. • Nicholas left much of the governing to Stolypin, he was distracted by his son’s Hemophelia.
Background to the Russian Rev • Backwards political system: Russia was autocratic, Duma was weak, unorganized, politically divided and meddled with by the Tsar. • Weak Leadership: Nicholas constantly fell under the influence of conservative elements in Russian society. • Terrorism: Several Russian political groups and secret societies used terrorism to accomplish goals in the early part of the 20th century. Stolypin was one of many Russian officials who were murdered • Violence used against the people: Cossacks used against protesters, thousands hanged throughout country.
Rasputin • Grigori Rasputin • healer, monk and mystic from Siberia. • Heavy drinker, lady’s man and public embarrassment. • Became the personal confidant and advisor to Alexandra the Tsarina • Alexandra was convinced he was a miracle worker who was helping her son. • Further discredited Tsar. Rumors of sexual relations between Rasputin and Alexandra destroyed the Tsar’s creditability.
