1. Revolution in Russia Preview Main Idea / Reading Focus
Russia and World War I
The Russian Revolution
Faces of History: Vladimir Lenin
After the Revolution

2. Revolution in Russia Main Idea Reading Focus
The war and social unrest combined to push Russia to the edge of a revolution. The events that followed led to Russia’s exit from the war and became a major turning point in world history.
Reading Focus
What was Russia’s experience in World War I?
What were the main events of the Russian Revolution?
What major events took place after the Russian Revolution?

3. World War I and the Russian Revolution
Section 5: Revolution and Civil War in Russia
Witness History Audio: Voices From the Front
Witness History Audio: V.I. Lenin
The March Revolution Ends Tsarism
The deaths and civilian poverty due to World War I led to the collapse of the Russian monarchy. In its place ruled Duma politicians. However, radical socialists led by V.I. Lenin soon took center stage.
Lenin and the Bolsheviks
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “How does the writer of the letter feel about the war?” (He does not believe in it.) “How have conditions at home affected his opinion?” (His family’s imminent starvation makes him want to help them instead of fighting.)
When showing Color Transparency 161, point out the borders of the Russian Empire before WWI and Then point out the line of the treaty of Brest-Litovsk. Ask, “How did Russia’s territory change from ?” (Russia lost control of the Baltic States, Finland, and Poland.) Point out that Russia did not lose as much territory as it would have if the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk had stood. As students to consider how Russians may have felt about losing so much territory.
Lenin spread Marxist ideas among factory workers. He supported the implementation of socialism through a revolution of workers.
Note Taking Transparency 173
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4. The Years Before the War
Russia and World War I
Russia a troubled nation
Czar Nicholas II had promised reform after 1905 revolution, but delivered little real change
Bolsheviks sought to change life through revolution, wanted to overthrow czar
Led by Lenin, wanted proletariat to rule Russia as socialist country
The Years Before the War
Adaptation of Marxist ideas of overthrow of capitalism
Wanted elite group to keep much of power over Russia
As Russia’s problems grew more serious, Bolsheviks gained more followers
Czar Nicholas hoped World War I would cause people to rally to his leadership
Bolshevik Plan

5. Russia in World War I Preparations for War On the Battlefield
At the start of the war, Russia had an enormous army of some 6 million soldiers.
Outbreak of fighting caused patriotism, rush to join military
Otherwise Russia ill-prepared for war
Factories unable to produce supplies quickly
Transportation system weak
Equipment outdated
Preparations for War
Many Russian officers advanced on connections, not ability
Some initial successes on battlefield
Losses soon outnumbered victories
Millions of Russian soldiers wounded, killed during early battles
On the Battlefield

6. Conditions Grow Worse
Czar Nicholas II took personal command of forces, 1915
Move made little sense since he knew little of military matters
Czar’s fate became linked with fate of Russian armed forces
Bad situation grew worse under Czar’s command
Russian army seemed doomed
Central Powers were able to stop Russian offensive
Destroyed Russian soldiers’ faith in leadership
Army had little strength, even less confidence
Conditions in Russia worse than on battlefield
Food, goods scarce; peasants grew desperate
Unpopular Czarina relied on Grigory Rasputin, viewed as corrupt, immoral
Shaky support for Russian monarchy dipped even lower

8. How did World War I affect Russia?
Find the Main Idea
How did World War I affect Russia?
Answer(s): poor economic conditions, worker strikes, unpopular czar

9. The Revolution of 1905 Revolution Begins
1905, many Russians ready to rebel against czar
January 22, Orthodox priest, Father Gapon, brought petition to czar at Winter Palace, listing number of demands
Troops fired at group; hundreds died; day known as Bloody Sunday
Revolution Begins
Bloody Sunday inspired many sectors of society to rise up against czar; rebellions broke out, czar’s strict rules disobeyed
Workers went on strike, students protested in streets
Czar promised reform, but did not follow through
Massive strike in October; 2 million workers protested in streets

14. The October Manifesto
In response to the rebellions and strikes, Nicholas II issued the October Manifesto, an official promise for reform and a more democratic government.
Manifesto promised constitution
Individual liberties to all, including freedom of speech, assembly
Many gained right to vote
Provisions
Voters would elect representatives to the Duma, assembly to approve all laws
Czar continue to rule, but not pass laws without approval of Duma
Duma
Nicholas II hoped Manifesto would end revolution
Did not achieve balance between own power, democracy
People still wanted reform
End Revolution

15. The Russian Revolution
By the end of 1916, Russia was once again on the edge of a revolution. As the new year began and conditions in Russia continued to worsen, the Russian people clearly wanted a change.
Citizens protested in streets of Petrograd, March 8, 1917
Police, soldiers refused to shoot rioters
Government was helpless
Revolution Begins
Ordered legislature to disband
His order defied
Citizens, government, military refused to obey Czar
Forced to abdicate, March 15, 1917
Czar Nicholas II
March revolution known as February Revolution
Russian calendar at time 13 days behind
New calendar adopted, 1918
Calendar Change

17. The Russian Revolution
Provisional Government
Duma established temporary government
Led by Aleksandr Kerensky
Many unhappy with new leadership
Bolsheviks
Led opposition to Kerensky’s provisional government
Wanted fundamental change in government and society
Planned Marxist revolution
Bolshevism
Abolish private property
Enforce social equality
Later known as Marxism-Leninism
Vladimir Lenin
Bolshevik leader forced to live outside Russia
Returned, April 1917
Germany hoped Lenin would weaken Russian war effort

19. World War I and the Russian Revolution
Section 5: Revolution and Civil War in Russia
The November Revolution Brings The Bolsheviks to Power
Lenin promised “Peace, Land, and Bread” to the weary and starving Russian people, while the provisional government continued with the war effort. In November 1917, factory workers and sailors overthrew the government, and Lenin’s Bolsheviks took control.
Russia Plunges into Civil war
A war between counter revolutionaries and Communists broke out and lasted three years. The Allies sent troops to support the counter revolution. The Communists took extreme measures to ensure success—forcing peasants to produce food for the army and to work in factories, executing suspects and sending others to labor camps.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “How does the writer of the letter feel about the war?” (He does not believe in it.) “How have conditions at home affected his opinion?” (His family’s imminent starvation makes him want to help them instead of fighting.)
When showing Color Transparency 161, point out the borders of the Russian Empire before WWI and Then point out the line of the treaty of Brest-Litovsk. Ask, “How did Russia’s territory change from ?” (Russia lost control of the Baltic States, Finland, and Poland.) Point out that Russia did not lose as much territory as it would have if the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk had stood. As students to consider how Russians may have felt about losing so much territory.
Color Transparency 161: Russia Before and After the Revolution of 1914 and 1921
Witness History Video: The Fall of the Tsar
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20. The Bolshevik Revolution Kerensky’s final offensive
Kerensky ordered final military offensive against Central Powers along Eastern Front, mid-1917
Drive failed and led to widespread rebellion in Russian army
Weakened Russian army collapsed
Conditions ideal for Lenin
Armed Bolshevik factory workers, Red Guard, attacked provisional government, November 1917
Known as October Revolution
Kerensky’s government collapsed after nearly bloodless struggle
Bolshevik takeover
Established radical Communist program
Made private ownership of land illegal
Land given to peasants
Control of factories given to workers
Lenin became leader

21. What were the main events of the Russian Revolution?
Summarize
What were the main events of the Russian Revolution?
Answer(s): the February Revolution and the Bolshevik Revolution

22. World War I and the Russian Revolution
Section 5: Revolution and Civil War in Russia
Building the Communist Soviet Union
With the Communists’ victory in the civil war, Lenin loosened his economic stranglehold and allowed some capitalist ventures. When Lenin died, Joseph Stalin rose to power with the aim of returning to “pure” Communism.
QuickTake Section Quiz
Progress Monitoring Transparency
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “How does the writer of the letter feel about the war?” (He does not believe in it.) “How have conditions at home affected his opinion?” (His family’s imminent starvation makes him want to help them instead of fighting.)
When showing Color Transparency 161, point out the borders of the Russian Empire before WWI and Then point out the line of the treaty of Brest-Litovsk. Ask, “How did Russia’s territory change from ?” (Russia lost control of the Baltic States, Finland, and Poland.) Point out that Russia did not lose as much territory as it would have if the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk had stood. As students to consider how Russians may have felt about losing so much territory.
QuickTake Chapter Test
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23. Lenin sought to end Russian involvement in World War I
After the Revolution
Lenin sought to end Russian involvement in World War I
Sent Leon Trotsky to negotiate peace with Central Powers
Russia’s army virtually powerless
Trotsky had to accept agreement harsh on Russia
Russia gained peace, gave up large parts of empire

24. World War I and the Russian Revolution: Section 5
Color Transparency 161: Russia Before and After the Revolution 1914 and 1921
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25. Reaction to Treaty Civil War
Bolsheviks’ acceptance of peace treaty angered many Russians
Bolsheviks’ opponents organized the White Army
White Army included army leaders, political opponents, wealthy Russians opposed to Communist system
Civil War
White Army received military help from France, U.S.
Civil War raged for 3 years between Lenin’s Red Army and White Army
Millions of Russians died in fighting, famines
Bolsheviks finally triumphed, late 1920

26. New Economic Policy Collapsing economy Key points The Soviet Union
Brought on by civil war, pushed Russia to edge of total ruin
Peasants, workers especially hard hit
Lenin introduced New Economic Policy, 1921
Key points
New Economic Policy permitted some capitalist activity
Peasants could sell food at profit
Tried to encourage badly needed food production
The Soviet Union
Russia reunited with several neighboring lands, became Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, dominated by Communist leadership
Lenin’s death in 1924 led to struggle for control of Soviet Union

27. What events took place after the Russian Revolution?
Sequence
What events took place after the Russian Revolution?
Answer(s): The Bolsheviks formed the Red Army which fought against the White Army. The White Army was made up of army leaders, political opponents of the Bolsheviks, and wealthy Russians.

28. World War I and the Russian Revolution: Section 5
Note Taking Transparency 173
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29. World War I and the Russian Revolution: Section 5
Progress Monitoring Transparency (1 of 2)
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30. World War I and the Russian Revolution: Section 5
Progress Monitoring Transparency (2 of 2)
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