Assignment #1: Intro to Russian Revolution (lecture and film clips)

Ms. Greenberg, this lecture has a lot of text. Should I write down everything on each slide?

No. But writing some notes in your own words is expected. Paraphrase, shorten, write something that helps you understand. You don’t have to write every single thing – the purpose is to help you understand WHY Russia had a revolution and WHAT HAPPENED. For example, writing the main point of each slide may be helpful.

The information in the lecture is also the topic of HW #1.

The Russian Revolution of 1917

Czar Nicholas IIAbsolute Monarch

Vladimir LeninCommunist leader

FROM TO

Before we begin…think back to the causes of the French

RevolutionWhy are people so upset with the royal family?

What economic problems and inequalities exist in French society?

Revolutions often begin for similar reasons. The causes of Russia’s revolution will sound familiar to you. The outcome will be quite different.

300 Years of Absolute Monarchy in Russia (1613 – 1917)

The Romanovs

• Renaissance & Enlightenment ideas never spread to Russia• Romanov Family ruled as virtual dictators for 300 years (Tsar or Czar = Caesar)• No legislative body, no constitution, no voice for the people that Czar had to follow

• Inequality led to periodic uprisings & revolts that were crushed violently

Russia on the eve of revolution

• Huge & Intolerant– Largest nation in world, lots of natural

resources– Most of population poorly educated

peasant farmers called serfs– Russian Orthodox Church very powerful– Execution of dissidents –those with

different views, religions, ethnicities

• Not Modern– Outdated agricultural practices often led

to high prices & food shortages– Few mechanized , modern factories– Lagged far behind the rest of Europe in

industry

As you watch video clips, take

notes about how each of the following contributed to the question above: Russo-Japanese War Lack of connection with

average Russians “Bloody Sunday” Massacre Dissolving of the Duma Relationship with Rasputin World War I

Land of Tsars Video Notes

Why was Nicholas II the last Czar of Russia?

Take notes on Assignment #1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-x4VcmHfxU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W1b6j8U46k&feature=related

• What: Czar steps down in March 1917 as riots overrun streets and soldiers will not shoot protesters. A liberal government takes over but within months is overpowered by a revolutionary group called Bolsheviks.

• Who: Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov who was know as Lenin was leader of Bolsheviks (one of many revolutionary groups) returns from exile in Western Europe to Russia in April, 1917

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-qxWWRcN-4&feature=related

Bolsheviks Take Power

• How: A small group of committed revolutionaries (Bolsheviks) would lead military (Red Army) and force radical social/political change that would lead to “Peace, Land & Bread” for the soviets (local organizations of workers, peasants and soldiers) using ruthless tactics if necessary.

• When: Bolsheviks take control of Russia in October, 1917, sign truce with Germany (March, 1918) and execute the Czar and his family in July, 1918. War rages in Russia until 1921 when Bolsheviks fully in power.

Bolsheviks fight for control

WHY?

Remember Marxism/Communism?

•Change brought about by violent revolution of workers

•Eventually the government will go away once a true “classless society” is established.

Marxist inspired Bolsheviks wanted to replace the Czar with a communist “dictatorship of the proletariat” ruled “temporarily” by Communist Party leaders for the benefit of the common worker and farmer until a true “classless society” as Marx envisioned could be established.

The Bolsheviks create a communist government