Russian Revolution 1917 (Soviet Union / U.S.S.R. forms)

World War I: The Final Blow Czar Nicholas II entered Russia into World War I (the Great War): Czar Nicholas II entered Russia into World War I (the Great War): –Russia had an unprepared military and not enough money. Could not compete with Germany. This showed the weakness of czarist rule and Russia’s military leadership. –German machine guns killed Russians by the thousands Czar went to the war front and life his wife in charge (She was influenced by an evil monk, Rasputin who corrupted her and the government while he was away).

World War I: The Final Blow As the war worsened, the czar Nicholas II lost control of Russia As the war worsened, the czar Nicholas II lost control of Russia –Soldiers refused to fight –Price of goods became unaffordable –People starved –Government corrupt & offered no solutions

Bolsheviks Group of revolutionaries who wanted to get rid of the czar. Group of revolutionaries who wanted to get rid of the czar. Ready to sacrifice everything for change. Ready to sacrifice everything for change. They were led by Vladimir Lenin (later becomes the first leader of the Soviet Union) They were led by Vladimir Lenin (later becomes the first leader of the Soviet Union)

The March Revolution In March 1917, women textile workers led a citywide strike. Riots started over shortages of bread and fuel. At first soldiers obeyed orders to shoot the rioters but later sided with them.

Russian Revolution

Demonstrators outside the Czar’s Palace

Russia's last tsar Nicholas II (L) and his wife Tsarina Alexander Fyodorovna (2ndR) and children Prince Alexei and Princesses Olga, Tatyana, Maria and Anastasia Photo: EPA The czar abdicated (was forced to step down) from the throne. A year later, revolutionaries executed Nicholas and his whole family. The 300 year czarist rule of the Romanavos finally collapsed.

Provisional Gov’t: After the Russian Revolution, a new government had to be created in place of the imperialist czarist government. It was called the Provisional Government.

Provisional Gov’t: A weak temporary government led by Alex Kerensky. A weak temporary government led by Alex Kerensky. Wanted to continue war with Germany (unpopular). Wanted to continue war with Germany (unpopular). Conditions worsen in Russia. Conditions worsen in Russia.

Soviets City workers grew more radical. City workers grew more radical. Revolutionaries competed for power with the provisional government and formed “soviets”. Revolutionaries competed for power with the provisional government and formed “soviets”. Soviets = local councils of workers, peasants and soldiers Soviets = local councils of workers, peasants and soldiers Had more influence than the provisional government in many cities. Had more influence than the provisional government in many cities.

The Bolshevik Revolution Lenin and Bolsheviks gain control of soviets in many major Russian cities. Lenin and Bolsheviks gain control of soviets in many major Russian cities. People called for “All power to the soviets!” People called for “All power to the soviets!” Lenin’s Slogan Lenin’s Slogan for what the people wanted: “Peace, Land & Bread” Provisional government falls. Provisional government falls.

Lenin’s Reforms All farmland to be distributed among the peasants. All farmland to be distributed among the peasants. Control of factories given to the workers. Control of factories given to the workers Have a truce with Germany to stop all fighting and begin peace talks Have a truce with Germany to stop all fighting and begin peace talks.

Creation and signing of the treaty of Brest-Litovsk

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk Russia surrendered a large part of its territory to Germany and its allies  Russia surrendered a large part of its territory to Germany and its allies  This humiliated many Russians - mad at Lenin and the Bolshevicks. This humiliated many Russians - mad at Lenin and the Bolshevicks.

What do YOU think? Discuss your thoughts about what Lenin did. Discuss your thoughts about what Lenin did. If you agree with him signing the Treaty, why? If you agree with him signing the Treaty, why? If you disagree, what do you suggest he should have done? If you disagree, what do you suggest he should have done? Do you think the people of Russia were justified in their anger? Do you think the people of Russia were justified in their anger?