The October Revolution Russia, 1917

The Rise of Russian Nationalism

What is nationalism?  The belief that people should be loyal, mainly to their nation- that is, to the people with whom they share a culture and history- rather than to a king of empire.  How might this be bad for the czars? What might this lead to?

THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION: 1917  Due to a lack of experienced military leaders, Russia was not prepared for WWI.  Poorly trained and equipped.  Will to fight had faded.  Czar Nicholas II relied on military to stay in power.

People begin to turn on royal family…  Nicholas insisted on leading the army to war even though he had no military experience.  People become upset at military & economic disasters in Russia.  Alexandra influenced by Grigori Rasputin Rasputin claimed to be a “Holy Man” and influenced the king and queen

Rasputin

March towards Revolution….  Conservatives kill Rasputin in 1916 Fear that he has too much influence Russian people view him negatively This action does not save the monarchy  1917: Food rationing and bread shortages Working women revolt and stage strikes Nicholas responds with violence

The czar’s response…  Orders troops to break up demonstrators with force. Many troops refuse and join the protests  The Duma demands that Czar Nicholas abdicate  Russians continue to fight in WWI Angers many people

 Government challenged by the Soviets.  Soviets – councils representing soldiers and workers. Most were Socialists.  Bolsheviks – small faction of Marxist party led by V.I. Lenin.  Bolsheviks felt they had to control the existing Soviets.

 They promised to end the war, give land back to the peasants and transfer government power to the Soviets.  Bolshevik Program  “Peace,Land, Bread”  Worker Control of Production  ALL power to the Soviets.

Vladimir Lenin and the Bolshevik Revolution

October Revolution  Lenin turns power to the Soviets, but maintains complete power by heading the Council of People’s Commissars.  Bolsheviks re-name themselves the Communists.

CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTIONS, 1917 Czar’s leadership was weak Czar abdicates Provisional government is overthrown Revolutionary agitation challenges the government. Provisional government takes over. Lenin and Bolsheviks gain power. Bolsheviks take over. Widespread discontent found among all classes. Russia stays in WWI. Bolsheviks sign peace treaty with Germany. Civil war begins. Causes: Effects/Causes: Effects: Czarist Russia March Revolution Bolshevik Revolution

Civil War  Red Army vs. White Army Red Army in control  Royal family captured Moved to a mining town Eventually all are killed. Or are they?

Control people by TERROR.  Secret Police – Cheka  Opposed to Communists, they would come calling.  Allies send troops to oppose Communists. Communists appeal to patriotism to fight.

Fight for Power  Lenin dies  Power struggle begins Stalin v. Trotsky Stalin: General Secretary  Appointed many to key positions  Their support= head of the Communist party Trotsky: Brilliant commissioner of the Civil War; helped the Communists to win

Stalin’s Five Year Plan  Sets economic goals for 5 years Plan takes its toll on the Russian people. Government uses propaganda to boost morale. Collectivization: Government takes farms and peasants work on them

Stalin’s Reign

Russia under Stalin  1930s: millions starve to death due to food shortages  Those who resisted or spoke out against Stalin were sent to labor camps in Siberia  Stalin overturns women’s rights gained in the 1920s  Under Stalin, the government prospers, but the people do not An estimated million die