1. History & the Novel Key Timeline, Russia & the Road to Revolution, 1853 – 1918

2. 1853-56 Crimean war. Ends in Russian defeat. Tsar Alexander II recognises need for reform. 1860s & 70s Tsar Alexander II begins wide ranging liberal reform programme, starting with Emancipation of Serfs (1861) 1880s Assassination of Alexander II. Succession of Alexander III and new repression 1890s Russia begins Industrialisation under Chief Minister Witte Tsar Nicholas II succeeds his father (1894), bringing reform & repression

3. 1904-5 Russian Defeat in war with Japan. First Russian Revolution follows Introduction of Duma follows – new elected central assembly 1906-1912 Following criticism of Tsar, Duma has its powers reduced Agricultural reforms under Chief Minister Stolypin Leads to growth of ‘kulaks’ – rural middle class 1914 Outbreak of WWI 1915-16 War creates economic and political crisis in Russia 1917 February Revolution Tsar forced into abdication by elite led revolt; Replaced by Liberal Provisional Government in loose alliance with Petrograd Soviet

4. 1917 March – September March: Soviet Order No.1: - Soviet sets clear limits to its support April: Lenin returns from exile – attacks Provisional Government and its Soviet supporters May: Cabinet reshuffle – brings Mensheviks and Social Revolutionaries (SRs) directly into government, SR leader Kerensky becomes Prime Minister June: Military Offensive – fails July: Failed popular uprising – blamed on Bolsheviks August/September: General Kornilov attempts a coup – Kerensky implicated 1917 October Revolution Bolsheviks take advantage of crisis to take power. At first relatively liberal & allow planned elections to take place 1918 Bolsheviks come second in elections. Trotsky forcibly closes new elected Assembly with help of Red guards, in name of ‘Soviet Power’. Dictatorship and Civil War begins