Russian Revolution Objective: I can evaluate how the consequences of World War I and the worldwide depression set the stage for the Russian Revolution.

Russian Revolution  Another direct result of World War I was revolution in Russia.  Two successive revolutions in 1917 transformed Russia from an absolute monarchy into a Communist dictatorship.  Russia was one of the world’s industrial and military powers.  During World War I, it was a Triple Entente ally of Britain and France against Germany and the Austro-Hungarian empire.  Although Russia had a large navy, it was unsuccessful in fighting the war.

 1) How many revolutions will take place in Russia post WWI?  2) Was Russia successful in fighting World War I? Yes or No

Russia’s Czarist Government  Russia had many problems.  Its government, which was ruled by hereditary monarchs known as czars, was its biggest problem.  A czar was an autocratic ruler.  This means that he had almost unlimited powers over the people who were his subjects. Czar Nicholas II

 3) What term did Russians use instead of monarch?  4) Which type of government system would Czarist rule be?

Russia’s Czarist Government  For centuries, the autocratic czars had ruled Russia with force.  They used secret police to put down dissent.  Freedom of speech and the press were limited, and published materials were censored.  They oppressed some non- Russian citizens and discouraged minority languages and customs.  Laws were passed that encouraged persecution of various ethnic and religious minorities, especially Jews (Pre WWII) During the Russian Revolution, rebels at Moscow execute the Chief of the Secret Police. Date 1906.

Growing Unrest  In the early 20 th century, many Russians called for reforms.  Factory workers wanted better working conditions and better pay.  Peasants wanted a higher standard of living.  The middle class wanted political power.  Russia desperately needed economic, political, and social reforms.  But the czarist government made only a few reforms.  People seeking far-reaching changes organized to demand more.

 5) What did the Czars not do that resulted in the fall of Czar Nicholas II? [Growing Unrest]

Russia During World War I  In 1914, Czar Nicholas II led his country into war.  Russia was unprepared for war and suffered many early defeats.  In the first year of fighting, 4 million Russian soldiers died.  The czar decided to take matters into his own hands.  He left the Russian capital, Petrograd, and moved to the German front to direct the army.

Russia During World War I  Nevertheless, Russia’s military fortunes continued to decline.  The number of defeats mounted, and many soldiers deserted.  The war was a complete disaster. Russian soldiers running from advancing German troops (July, 1917)

 6) How many Russian soldiers died in the first year of fighting World War I?  7) How would you describe Russia during World War I?

Russia During World War I  Nicholas left his wife, Czarina Alexandra, in charge of the government.  Alexandra believed even more fervently in absolute rule than Nicholas did.  Grigory Rasputin, a mysterious, self-proclaimed holy man, encouraged her beliefs.  He exercised a great deal of influence over the czarina.  Rasputin seemed to have the power to help her son, who suffered from the blood disease hemophilia.  Rasputin was eventually murdered by a group of nobles, fearing his power and bad decision making. Rasputin

 8) Who was left in charge of the Russian government when Czar Nicholas II went to the front to rally the troops?  9) Who exercised influence over the czarina?  10) How did the nobles view Rasputin?

Review Questions  1) How many revolutions will take place in Russia post WWI?  2) Was Russia successful in fighting World War I? Yes or No  3) What term did Russians use instead of monarch?  4) Which type of government system would Czarist rule be?  5) What did the Czars not do that resulted in the fall of Czar Nicholas II? [Growing Unrest]  6) How many Russian soldiers died in the first year of fighting World War I?  7) How would you describe Russia during World War I?  8) Who was left in charge of the Russian government when Czar Nicholas II went to the front to rally the troops?  9) Who exercised influence over the czarina?  10) How did the nobles view Rasputin?