Rise of Communism in Russia

Background to Revolution With lack of Military leaders and Technology Russia was unprepared for WWI Poorly trained Ill-equipped Suffered terrible losses Russian will to fight was gone by 1917

Background to Revolution Czar Nicholas II relied on army and government to keep him in power Wife Alexandra made decisions with the help of Rasputin Rasputin was a claimed Holy Man.

Background to Revolution Russian people became increasingly upset with Czar and wife Economic Disasters Military Losses Food Shortages The hope was to get rid of Rasputin Assassinated in late 1916 Did not have effect that was hoped for

Background to Revolution March 1917 Working class women led strikes in the capital city of Petrograd Upset about bread shortages and rationing General strike was called that would shut down all the factories

Background to Revolution Czar Nicholas responded to the strikes by ordering troops to break up with force Many soldiers refused to do so, they joined the strikers The legislature met to set up a provisional government Czar Nicholas stepped down

Background to Revolution Alexander Kerensky headed the provisional government Decided to continue in WWI – Grave mistake Upset workers and peasants who wanted to end the fighting Provisional Government was also challenged by the Soviets – Councils representing workers and soldiers

The Rise of Lenin The Bolsheviks – small faction of the Marxist party Lenin was the leader Dedicated to violent overthrow of government

Rise of Lenin Bolsheviks promised to…. Lived in Switzerland between 1900 -1917 Left when provisional government was formed Was hoping the Bolsheviks could seize power German military leaders helped him travel to help create disorder Bolsheviks promised to…. End the War (WWI) Redistribute Land to Peasants Transfer control of factories to workers Transfer government to the soviets

Rise of Lenin What the Bolsheviks believe “Peace, Land, Labor” “Worker Control of Production” “All Power to the Soviets”

The Bolsheviks Seize Power End of October 1917 Bolsheviks = 240,000 Majorities in Petrograd and Moscow November 6th Bolsheviks seized the Winter Palace Provisional Government Collapsed

Bolsheviks Seize Power Lenin turned over the power to the Congress of Soviets The real power was held in the Council of People’s Commissars which Lenin was in charge of.

Bolsheviks Seize Power Bolsheviks renamed themselves Communists March 1918 Lenin ended the war with Germany Gave up E. Poland, Ukraine, Finland and Baltic Provinces Believed that territories would return as socialist revolution spread

Civil War in Russia Soon after Communists took control a civil war broke out. Groups loyal to czar, anti-Leninist were joined by Allies. They gave troops and supplies out of hope that Russia would rejoin the war

Civil War in Russia Communists (Red) fought in many places from 1918-1921 Opposing forces were known as White Army Fighting took place in Siberia in East, Ukraine and Baltic regions By 1920 Red Army defeated most of the White Forces The royal family was captured by the Communists moved and eventually killed

Triumph of Communists Communists won war because of excellent army Leon Trotsky- commissar of war Brilliantly organized army Instituted rigid discipline Opposition was not unified, torn by political differences and mistrust Lacked a COMMON GOAL

Triumph of Communists Some of the people wanted to restore the czar other wanted a more democratic government Communists had strong sense of purpose and conviction Put Ideals to work in practical ways Controlling banks Controlling Farms Controlling Industries to serve Communist War Effort Policy = War Communism

Triumph of Communists Communist used terror to further goals The Cheka – Secret Police Sought out anyone who opposed them Created an atmosphere of fear among the people Allies sent troops to oppose the Communists Lenin used this act to join Russians Foreign attempts to control the nation

Triumph of Communists By 1921 Communists had complete control of Russia Country became centralized state dominated by a single party Because of the Allies role in the civil war the Communists mistrusted them and remained hostile