George Orwell: “One day I saw a little boy, perhaps ten years old, driving a huge cart-horse along a narrow path, whipping it whenever it tried to turn. It struck me that if only such animals became aware of their strength we should have no power over them, and that men exploit animals in much the same way as the rich exploit the proletariat [working class]...”

What is a revolution?

What is a revolution? The overthrow of one government and its replacement with another

When is it OK to rebel against the government?

Characteristics of a Revolution: People from all social classes are unhappy Government does not respond to the needs of society Government is unable to get enough support to save itself

Important definitions: Capitalism – economic system in which businesses are privately owned and operated for profit; free market system Socialism – state ownership of common property/means of production; government intervention in economic affairs Communism – “higher stage” of socialism; government controls economic planning; community ownership of property, complete social and economic equality (socialist system without social classes)

Russia in World War I War brought patriotism, then disaster… Not enough supplies Terrible transportation Poor military leadership Millions wounded and killed

Scene 1: Tsar Nicholas II’s Incompetence: Took personal command of the army in WWI The army continued to fail; people lived in desperation His wife, Alexandra, was left in charge of the country

There lived a certain man in Russia long ago….

“Tsar of the Russian land, if you hear the sound of the bell which will tell you that [I have] been killed, you must know this: if it was your relations who have wrought my death, then no one of your family, that is to say, none of your children or relations will remain alive for more than two years. They will be killed by the Russian people…"

Scene 2: February Revolution Protests forced Nicholas II to abdicate, ending the Russian monarchy A provisional (temporary) government was put in its place – led by Alexander Kerensky People still weren’t happy – Kerensky refused to leave the war

Scene 3: October Revolution Bolsheviks (Communists) wanted a real revolution and took over under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin Russia finally left the war, but was in economic ruin There was a civil war between the Communists (Red Army) and supporters of the Tsar (White Army)

Scene 4: Lenin’s N.E.P. To fix problems brought on by years of war… Some private ownership allowed More $$ to industrialize Russia Strengthen Russian economy before spreading Communism

Russian Communist poster from 1920 : “Comrade Lenin Cleanses the Filth of Earth”

Creepy…

Scene 5: Joseph Stalin’s Rise to Power There was a struggle for power among Communist leaders after Lenin’s death Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the Communist party, manipulated his way into power Stalin became a dictator who ruled the Soviet Union through fear and terror