The Russian Revolution Chapter 8 Section 3

A. Background to Revolution Russia militarily unprepared to fight in World War I Nicholas II, insisted on leading the armed forces despite his lack of training Russia was poor Trained with broomsticks instead of guns Some were sent into battle weaponless Btwn 1914 and 1916, 2 million Russian soldiers were killed Russian citizens began to call for an end to the war

B. Beginnings of Upheaval Nicholas left his wife Alexandra in charge Alexandra was influenced by one of her advisors Grigori Rasputin Rasputin soon made the majority of decisions and ruled through Alexandra Many Russians did not like the leadership of their country In 1916, Rasputin was assassinated

C. The March Revolution In March, 1917, a series of strikes took place across Russia Mostly because of bread rationing Women had to stand in 12 hour lines for bread March 8, 10,000 women marched on Petrograd Factories were shut down by March 10 March 12, a provisional gov’t was set up Nicholas no longer had support of the people, so he stepped down The new leader was Alexander Kerensky Kerensky decided to stay in the war, which angered the people The gov’t also faced challenges from Soviets, councils composed of workers and soldiers

D. The Rise of Lenin and the Bolsheviks Bolsheviks were a Marxist Party led by Vladimir Lenin Lenin wanted to take Russia out of the war and wanted to give all gov’t land to peasants On November 6, 1917 Lenin took over the provisional gov’t Lenin turned power over to the Soviets, with Lenin as the head March 3, 1918, Lenin signed a peace treaty with Germany and gave up a lot of territory

E. Civil War in Russia Many Russians did not want to become communist Some Russians were loyal to the Czar Btwn 1918 and 1921, Russia was in a Civil War On July 16, 1920 Nicholas and his family were murdered by the Soviets

F. The Triumph of the Communists Lenin and the Communists were able to win the Civil War Mostly due to the help of Leon Trotsky –Ruthless leader of the Russian military Another reason the Communists won is that their enemies were not unified Communist also used war communism –All resources of Russia were placed under communist control Secret Police scared citizens into obedience –Started a Red Terror –Secret police arrested or killed any who opposed them By 1921, communists were in total control of Russia