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 1894: Nicholas II becomes the Czar Nicholas is a weak leader, continues autocracy, tries to rule strictly He tries to increase industrialization by using foreign investors & raising taxes Industrialization is slow, creates problems like low pay & poor working conditions Czar tries to take land from Japan but loses Russo-Japanese War 1905: Major protests begin against the Czar

Protestors try to deliver a petition to Nicholas II asking for reforms The protestors are met by the Czar’s Army Army opens fire on the crowd (Bloody Sunday, 1905) Nicholas is forced to create the Russian Duma (Parliament) Reforms fail and Czar dissolves the Duma 10 weeks later 1914: Russia involved in WW I Millions (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 advice from Rasputin The mysterious Rasputin (a healer for her son) gives her poor advice Everyone hates Rasputin & the Romanov family! – Czar’s cousin Yusopov will try to kill Rasputin Ladies man! Czarina Alexandra Grigori Rasputin Alexei Romanov

Rasputin: Mad Monk Questions What was the first assassination attempt on Rasputin? What was the next assassination attempt on Rasputin? Did that kill him? How long did it take for Rasputin to finally die? 4. What was Rasputin’s final prediction? Did it come true?

Nicholas II is forced to step down from power (abdicate) 1917 March Revolution Russian people fed up with shortages – strikes/riots begin in Petrograd & St. Petersburg Nicholas II is forced to step down from power (abdicate) A provisional government led by Alexander Kerensky takes control Kerensky’s government decides to keep Russia fighting in WWI Most Russians are upset by this choice - economy/shortages worsen Communists demand change & begin forming 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 October (Bolshevik) Revolution October: Communists call for the overthrow of the Provisional Govt. Lenin signs a treaty with Germany ending WWI for Russia Many upset with Lenin’s rule, enemies of Bolsheviks form an army White Army is made up of pro-Czar, pro-Prov Gov & Mensheviks Bolsheviks form the Red Army. 1918: Civil war breaks out between the Whites & the Reds Leon Trotsky commands the Red Army 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 take action, storm Winter Palace & seize govt. Vladimir Lenin Speaks 1920: Red Army wins, Lenin in control

Voices from the Past: Mystery of Anastasia Warmup 25-3 What was life like for the Romanov family? Who did Anna Anderson claim to be? Why did some people believe Anna Anderson? How was the mystery finally solved?