The Russian Revolution Historical Background for Orwell’s Animal Farm

Factors that lead up to the Revolution Most of the population were very poor for decades underneath the czar rule. Russia’s involvement in WWI. Russia had inefficient factories, roads, railroads, etc. Could not compete against Germany. Skyrocketed prices and 1917 famine.

Beliefs of Karl Marx Philosopher, who wrote Communist Manifesto Believed that there needed to be a workers’ revolt against government. Two classes: Working class (proletariat) and Nobility (Bourgeoisie). Rich kept the poor always poor.

Czar Nicholas II Part of the Romanov family. Had four daughters including Anastasia and one son Nichol. Nichol had a rare blood disease. Looked to Rasputin, a shady man, for help.

Tensions Rise Public believed that Rasputin was beginning to influence the Czar in his decisions and demanded that he be removed from the palace. Workers began to organize to form the Soviet Party.

February Revolution Workers storm palace and take Romanov family hostage. Execute family-Anastasia thought to have escaped.

A new regime After the czar was removed from the throne, Vladimir Lenin took over control. Leader of the Bolshevik party. Beginning of communism in Russia.

What is communism? A form of government and economics Government has complete control over everything. Everyone is equal-doctors get paid the same as janitors.

Lenin’s death brings struggle After Lenin’s death, there was a struggle between Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky for the leadership of the Bolshevik party. Stalin won. In 1927 Stalin expelled Trotsky and had him assassinated.

Stalin’s Russia Set up the KGB Secret Police, which killed anyone they thought was against the government. Used propaganda to persuade people to believe in communism. Situation for workers got worse under Stalin.

How does this relate to Animal Farm? Animal Farm is a satire that is entirely based on making fun of communist Russia. Each character represents a person that played a part in the revolution. It is your job to figure out who each character is within the novel?