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The October Revolution. Russia, 1917. The Rise of Russian Nationalism. What is nationalism?. The belief that people should be loyal, mainly to their nation- that is, to the people with whom they share a culture and history- rather than to a king of empire.
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The October Revolution Russia, 1917
What is nationalism? • The belief that people should be loyal, mainly to their nation- that is, to the people with whom they share a culture and history- rather than to a king of empire. • How might this be bad for the czars? What might this lead to?
THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION: 1917 • Due to a lack of experienced military leaders, Russia was not prepared for WWI. • Poorly trained and equipped. • Will to fight had faded. • Czar Nicholas II relied on military to stay in power.
People begin to turn on royal family… • Nicholas insisted on leading the army to war even though he had no military experience. • People become upset at military & economic disasters in Russia. • Alexandra influenced by Grigori Rasputin • Rasputin claimed to be a “Holy Man” and influenced the king and queen
March towards Revolution…. • Conservatives kill Rasputin in 1916 • Fear that he has too much influence • Russian people view him negatively • This action does not save the monarchy • 1917: Food rationing and bread shortages • Working women revolt and stage strikes • Nicholas responds with violence
The czar’s response… • Orders troops to break up demonstrators with force. • Many troops refuse and join the protests • The Duma demands that Czar Nicholas abdicate • Russians continue to fight in WWI • Angers many people
Government challenged by the Soviets. • Soviets – councils representing soldiers and workers. Most were Socialists. • Bolsheviks – small faction of Marxist party led by V.I. Lenin. • Bolsheviks felt they had to control the existing Soviets.
They promised to end the war, give land back to the peasants and transfer government power to the Soviets. • Bolshevik Program • “Peace,Land, Bread” • Worker Control of Production • ALL power to the Soviets.
October Revolution • Lenin turns power to the Soviets, but maintains complete power by heading the Council of People’s Commissars. • Bolsheviks re-name themselves the Communists.
Causes: Effects/Causes: Effects: Czarist Russia March Revolution Bolshevik Revolution Causes and effects of the Russian Revolutions, 1917
Civil War • Red Army vs. White Army • 1920- Red Army in control • Royal family captured • Moved to a mining town • Eventually all are killed. Or are they?
Control people by TERROR. • Secret Police – Cheka • Opposed to Communists, they would come calling. • Allies send troops to oppose Communists. Communists appeal to patriotism to fight.
Fight for Power • 1924- Lenin dies • Power struggle begins • Stalin v. Trotsky • Stalin: General Secretary • Appointed many to key positions • Their support= head of the Communist party • Trotsky: Brilliant commissioner of the Civil War; helped the Communists to win
Stalin’s Five Year Plan • Sets economic goals for 5 years • Plan takes its toll on the Russian people. • Government uses propaganda to boost morale. • Collectivization: Government takes farms and peasants work on them
Russia under Stalin • 1930s: millions starve to death due to food shortages • Those who resisted or spoke out against Stalin were sent to labor camps in Siberia • Stalin overturns women’s rights gained in the 1920s • Under Stalin, the government prospers, but the people do not • An estimated 20-30 million die