Hello again

1. Hello again Mr. DeJoy

2. 9Main Points for the Russian Revolution 1) Russia is an incredibly large and resource rich nation that extends from the Pacific to Europe. Due to its massive size, Russia has traditionally been at the center of global affairs. In addition, Russia is made up of a variety of ethnic groups with distinctive cultural practices and identities.

3. Continued… 2) Unlike other countries in Europe, Russia was slow to industrialize as a nation. A major obstacle for progress in Russia was the rigid social structure. While there was a small middle class, the majority of Russians were serfs (peasants or laborers) who were bound to their masters. Despite reforms that freed the serfs, most people remained hopelessly poor and powerless (showing the need for further reforms). 3) For the most part, Russia has had governments in which the Tsars had absolute power over their subjects (autocratic rule). Unlike other countries in Europe, the Enlightenment and the French Revolution had little influence on Russia. While reforms were instituted, the Tsars consistently fell back on repressive measures to preserve their power.

4. Continued… 4) The Revolt of 1905 – Widespread discontent caused many in Russia to rise up against the government. In response, Nicholas II was forced to announce sweeping reforms. • Poor conditions for industrial workers in cities • A series of defeats in a war with Japan • Bloody Sunday - attack by government soldiers on peaceful protesters 5) The reforms passed after the Rev. of 1905 were largely unsuccessful. The elected Duma had no real power and Nicholas II relied on the secret police and other repressive means of imposing his authority. Reasons for discontent

5. Attack of the crazy beards… 6) The ideas of Marx and Socialism started taking hold in Russia and Western Europe. Marx believed that the industrial workers of the world would rise up and overthrow the capitalist system. Socialists believed in creating a more equal society by more evenly distributing resources, services, and goods in society. 7) The massive toll of WWI on Russian soldiers and lack of food in the countryside caused Russians to revolt. In 1917 the Tsar abdicated (gave up his thrown).

6. Last slide! 8) V.I. Lenin and the Bolsheviks take control of Russia from the provisional government and declare the foundation of a socialist state. 9) After withdrawing from WWI, Russia becomes embroiled in a civil war between the Reds (the Bolsheviks) and the Whites (those opposing the Bolsheviks). In 1921, the Bolsheviks are victorious. 10) Stalin imposes his vision of the Soviet Union. Millions are killed as Stalin and his Communist party seek to establish total control of the country. By the late 1940s the Soviet Union emerges as a major world power (although at a tremendous cost).

7. Marxism/Communism • Form of Socialism – Marx’s View • Viewed history as the story of class struggle • Class conflict is inevitable • The poor, workers will always be exploited • Believed there will be a Social Revolution