The Russian Revolution How do the Bolsheviks (Communists) come to power in Russia?

A BREWING REVOLUTION Russia was still a feudal society ruled by the Romanov Family Peasants continually protested, most Czars did little to help In 1894, Nicholas II becomes the Czar Nicholas is a weak leader but tries to follow his father’s strict methods of governing He tries to increase industrialization by using foreign investors & raising taxes Industrialization creates problems like low pay & poor working conditions – strikes begin Only focus on heavy industry in Russia – still behind rest of Europe Next, Nicholas is embarrassed when he loses to Japan in the Russo-Japanese War Major protests begin against the Czar in 1905

Protestors try to deliver a petition to Nicholas II asking for a constitutional monarchy & other reforms The protestors are met by the Czar’s Army & Police force Army opens fire on the crowd (Bloody Sunday, 1905) Nicholas is forced to create the Russian Duma (Parliament) His reforms fail and he dissolves the Duma 10 weeks later In 1914, Russia becomes involved in World War I Millions (of mostly peasants) are killed in the war 1915: Nicholas then heads to Eastern front to take personal command of troops

Czarina is running Russia & is getting all of her advice from Rasputin The mysterious Rasputin (a healer for her son) gives her poor advice The country is in even worse shape. Everyone hates Rasputin & the Romanov family!

Nicholas II is forced to step down from power (abdicate ) 1917 March Revolution Fed up with food shortages, the war & the Romanov family, workers begin to strike throughout Russia Nicholas II is forced to step down from power (abdicate ) A provisional government led by Alexander Kerensky takes control Despite originally protesting the war, Kerensky’s government decides to keep Russia fighting in WWI Most Russians are upset by this choice - economy/shortages worsen Communists demand change & begin using soviets (local councils) The soviets are made up of peasants, workers and soldiers – soviets begin gaining control/influence in Russia Down with the War!! Down with the Autocracy! We must honor our agreements!

The Bolshevik (October) Revolution In October, Communists call for the overthrow of the Provisional Govt. Lenin signs a treaty with Germany ending WWI for Russia Enemies of the Bolsheviks form the White Army White Army is made up of pro-Czar, pro-Provisional Government factions and Mensheviks Bolsheviks form the Red Army. Civil war breaks out between the Whites & the Reds Leon Trotsky commands the Red Army. Some nations, including the US aid the White Army The Red Army eventually wins and Lenin maintains control Power to the Soviets! Mensheviks led by Martov favor a less violent overthrow - moderate Peace, Land & Bread! Bolsheviks led by Lenin & Trotsky favor a violent overthrow - radical Bolsheviks storm the Winter Palace and take control of the government Vladimir Lenin Speaks

Voices from the Past: Mystery of Anastasia Please add to your notes: How do world events change the lives of the Romanov family? Who was Anna Anderson? How was the mystery finally solved?