1. The Russian Revolution
How do the Bolsheviks (Communists) come to power in Russia?

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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?

6. 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!

7. 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 : 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

8. 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?