Russian Revolution Class Starter

1. Russian Revolution Class Starter What was Karl Marx’s theory about Communism? In other words , describe the type of conditions that would have to exist for communism to begin…?

2. The “Duma” government was based on a number of “Soviets” • These soviets were councils around the country that had elected officials. Many Soviets were controlled by factory workers and peasants. • How is the term “Soviet” relevant to Russia’s name?

3. Russian Revolution(s) Many influences: • French Revolution • Kark Marx • WW1 • Peasant Frustration http://www.flholocaustmuseum.org/history_wing/assets/room1/fall_of_the_bastille.jpg http://www.nevsky88.com/SaintPetersburg/Revolution/images/38a2d730.jpg http://www.hewett.norfolk.sch.uk/curric/soc/MARX/bigmarx.jpg http://www.himalayan-imports.com/gurkhas-tirah%20(pre-ww1).jpg

4. Peasants • Russia has a h-u-g-e landmass. • Most Russians do not own land; they work upon it for others for very little $/food. • Most Russians are poor farming peasants. • Many would starve to death during poor harvests and only ate meager rations with good harvests • Most can’t read (pics on signs)

5. Royalty • 1 leading family has all the power. The Romanov Dynasty has ruled for hundreds of years. • Nicholas II assumes power after his father’s sudden death. • Massive personal wealth & power (Army=1,000,000)(Secret Police =OKHRANA) (His word = Law) • Nicholas has little understanding of the common people. www.antiquemapsandprints.com/ scansj/j-20464.jpg

6. Nicholas II • Physically weak • Not very smart • Believed in God-given right to rule • Often based decisions on advice. • Often made poor choice of advisors • Had support of the: • Nobility + Clergy http://www.worldkidmag.com/postcard/pictures/th/hrmcostnichIIballunif1900sR.jpg

7. Despite this... Despite the disparity, most peasants are proud of their “tsar” and worship his picture often placed on hut walls.

8. Occasionally... The two sides clash. http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/history/core/pics/0255/img0006.jpg

9. A) Coronation 1895…bad omen? Traditional feast & gift giving during festivities Attending peasants surge forward. Thousands crushed in melee. Nicholas unsure of what to do Advised to continue party that night anyways. Peasants not impressed….

10. B) 1905…Bloody Sunday • Russia at war with Japan (over north China) • Russian losing material & men…& war • Peasants protest @ St.Petersburg Palace, begging for food. • Nicholas not there, soldiers panic, • begin shooting. • Hundreds killed, • peasants shocked. • Nicholas remorseful, promises reforms. • (“Duma” = share power…not..) http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/history/core/pics/0255/img0005.jpg

11. Next….WW1 • Russian army extremely poorly equipped. • Many soldiers had no guns, told to pick up those of fallen comrades! • Lack of food & medical supplies/treatment. • Little training & understanding(Often peasants spoke diff’t languages) • By 1917 army ready to collapse http://www.oneworld.cz/oneworld/2001/english/detail.php?id=1261

12. Nicholas II to the……rescue? • Nicholas decides he’ll personally lead the Russian army to prove courage, increase morale. • Leaves tsarina Alexandra behind to rule.

13. Causes more problems than resolves… • Alexandra falls under the “spell” of advisor/monk Rasputin • People distrust Alexandra & Rasputin. • Russian army continues to lose, people at home blame Nicholas II personally. • Nicholas confused... www.alexanderpalace.org/ lostsplendor/xx.html http://chsweb.lr.k12.nj.us/kstokes/20th_c3.jpg

14. Result... • Political unrest on the Russian Homefront. http://www.newint.org/issue309/labour.htm

15. C) 1917 (March) Revolution (i) • Widespread famine & unrest increase • Workers begin to strike • Riots occur throughout the nation • People demand changes, even Duma • Troops & police told to regain order. • Troops & police refuse. Join rioters. • Nicholas II returns to take over. • Duma refuses to recognize his authority • Tsar shocked at anger, officially abdicates

16. Provisional (temporary) Government(Menshevik Party) • Promise changes & reforms • Land & power to be given back to peasants. • YES!! • BUT… • Only when war is won. • Peasants furious.End war/make changes NOW!!! Leader:Kerensky http://home.sandiego.edu/~landeros/KGBCIA/KGB.htm

17. Germany takes advantage of Russian unrest. • Germany knows USA coming to Western front; wants to get rid of Russians on Eastern front (easy to kill…just sooo many) • Helps exiled Lenin to return http://urban75.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?goto=lastpost&t=70513 http://www.info-regenten.de/regent/regent-d/pictures/russia-lenin.jpg

18. D)November (October) Revolution(Bolshevik Party) • Menshevik/Provisional Gov’t blamed for army losses, can’t handle local attempted rebellions. • Lenin convinces workers & soldiers of St. Petersburg that provisional Gov’t needs to be replaced. • With Trotky’s help/organization, St.Petersburg Winter Palace is surrounded by Bolsheviks and all gov’t members arrested, as well as take over all communication & power centers. • Lenin begins to issue orders to run the country • Lenin’s slogan “Peace at any Price” = acceptance. http://humanityquest.com/themes/inspiration/Paintings/Negative/index.asp

19. Russian Revolutions Review • 1905 Rev’n - Hungry peasants shot Duma created • 1917 (Feb/March) - Demonstrations home NichII abdicates Mensheviks take over DumaKerensky leader Promise land, etc, after war • 1917 (Oct/Nov) Lenin & Trotsky take over Communism promoted