The Russian Revolution Animal Farm The Russian Revolution

History of the Russian revolution February Revolution of 1917: Russia’s working- class, as well as other groups, did not feel their needs were being met. Their revolt led to the overthrow of Russian leader, Czar Nicholas II. The Provisional Government was put in place to represent the needs of the working-class. October Revolution of 1917: The Bolshevik Party (led by Vladimir Lenin) overthrows the Provisional Government because they felt the needs of Russia’s urban workers and peasants were still not being met.

The Bolshevik Party Socialists (Karl Marx theories) What is the goal of Socialism? The distribution of wealth among all members of society How is it achieved? Community control over its citizens’ possessions and means of production Who controls the community? Small councils or groups The government The final stage of Marx’s socialist theory: Communism

Communism What is the goal of Communism? How is it achieved? To create a classless society How is it achieved? Eliminate private ownership of capital by placing ownership of the means of production into the hands of the state The Bolshevik Party is later called the Communist Party. Vladimir Lenin was one of the leaders. The Communist Party united all means of production under state control and created a government controlled by workers’ soviets (councils).

Stalin maintained his power by: Joseph Stalin eventually took over the government, turning Russia into a totalitarian state. Stalin maintained his power by: Threatening and eliminating his enemies, Using propaganda to maintain social control Utilizing a personal police force to execute his orders Orwell wrote Animal Farm as an allegory to describe, in disguise, Stalin’s cruelty.

Elements of Totalitarianism and Authoritarianism What is the goal of Totalitarianism? To exercise firm control over the public and private lives of its citizens Who has the power in a Totalitarian state? A dictator What is the goal of Authoritarianism?  To have strict control over the population, often through overt oppression or the elimination of democratic rights and liberties. Who makes the laws? The government (under the leadership of a dictator)  How are the citizens controlled? Through the use of propaganda