Two Revolutions in Russia

1. Two Revolutions in Russia By: Reid Clark

2. Revolutionary Rumblings • After the Revolution of 1905, Nicholas had failed to solve Russia’s basic problems. • In 1914, the huge Russian empire stretched from Eastern Europe to the Pacific. • The elected Duma set up after the Revolution of 1905 had no real power. Moderates wanted social change. • Nicholas II, a weak man, blocked attempts to limit his authority. • The outbreak of war in 1914 (WWI) fired national pride and united Russians. Armies dashed to battle with enthusiasm.

3. Continued… • World War I quickly strained Russian resources. • By 1915, soldiers had no rifles, no ammunition, and no medical care. • In 1915, Russian casualties had already reached two million. • Nicholas II tried to take personal charge in a patriotic gesture.

4. Death of the Mad Monk • By 1916, a Siberian peasant named Rasputin, influence over Alexandra reached new heights. He moved into the palace with many of his followers. • Rasputin was very corrupt and fond of worldly pleasures. • Russia was in the hands of a shady character known to his enemies as the “mad monk.” • Members of the Duma, nobles, and the czar’s relatives saw the danger. • Five men hatched a plan to destroy Rasputin in order to save monarchy.

5. Continued… • On December 29, 1916, Prince Felix Yussoupov lured Rasputin into his palace. Rasputin was fed cakes and wines that were poisoned. Later Yussoupov shot him. • Rasputin leaped up, after thought to be dead, fled but was shot again and clubbed to stillness. • They dropped him into the icy Neva River. Doctors later discovered that Rasputin died by drowning. • News of Rasputin’s death caused rejoicing in the capital