Do Now: The Russian Revolution happened during WWI. Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the communists, got support from the peasants and working classes by promising them "peace, land, and bread." What do you think each thing meant?

Key Word: Russian Revolution / Bolshevik Revolution: first successful communist revolution that resulted in the creation of the Soviet Union in 1917

I. Russia Before the Revolution Was ruled by Tsar Nicholas II, an ineffective and uncaring leader similar to Louis XVI from the French Revolution. The majority of people were poor peasants while a small number of nobles owned most of the land. In 1905, The Tsar ordered the military to fire on a group of peasant/worker protestors in an event dubbed Bloody Sunday It led many to lose faith in his leadership and believe revolution was the answer. The Tsar’s worst decision was to join WW1, which caused widespread food shortages.

Tsar Aristocracy (nobles) Poor peasants France before French Revolution Russia before Russian Revolution

Tsar Nicholas IIHis wife Alexandra During WW1, her German birth became a serious issue, and people spread rumors she was helping Germany win.

The situation is getting worse. Something has to be done immediately. Tomorrow is too late. The last hour has struck. The future of the country is being decided. -Telegram to Nicholas II from Rodzianko, the president of the Duma (an advisory body to the Tsar) Again, that fat-bellied Rodzianko has written me a load of nonsense, which I won’t even bother to answer. -Tsar Nicholas II after reading the telegram

II. Events Leading to the Revolution  By 1917, Russia was losing badly to Germany on the eastern front.  The tsar had taken personal command of the army, so many people blamed him for the problems going on.  In March 1917, there were bread riots in the streets of the capital, and the soldiers refused their orders to end the protest. The Duma, or advisory council, had the Tsar arrested and forced him to abdicate.

III. Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks Lenin was a communist who led a political party called the Bolsheviks Months after the Tsar had abdicated, the Duma had not solved any problems. With the government weak, the Bolsheviks and their supporters seized control of the government in October, Lenin signed a peace treaty with the Central Powers and had the royal family executed. Russia became the first communist country and was renamed the Soviet Union.

Karl MarxVladimir Lenin Old Major