the february revolution: the first step in revolution the revolutionary upheavals that forced the...

The February Revolution: The First Step In Revolution

The February Revolution: The First Step In Revolution

The Revolutionary upheavals that forced the tsar to abdicate is known as the February Revolution. On Monday, February 27, liberal members of the Duma formed a Provisional Committee to respond to the disintegration of the tsar’s government. The purpose of the committee was to restore order and establish contact with public organizations and institutions. Eventually, the committee was renamed the Provisional Government, and its restated aim was to see Russia through the war. Alexander Kerensky dominated the provisional Government. Kerensky was an energetic lawyer who had long been a member of the Socialist Revolutionaries, a radical Russian political party. Kerensky’s most important decision was to keep Russia in the war. Kerensky hoped to gain land from the allies in exchange for continued participation in the war against Germany. Kerensky’s decision alienated him from soldiers and other Russians who were sick of Russia’s defeats in the war, but most importantly, resumption of the war effort was unpopular with the Petrograd Soviet, a competing communistic organization. The Provisional government had planned a nationwide election in late November that would choose a new government for Russia. Lenin knew that he had until the election to seize power from the Provisional government, pull Russia out of the war, and begin the new Marxist state.

The Revolutionary upheavals that forced the tsar to abdicate is known as the February Revolution. On Monday, February 27, liberal members of the Duma formed a Provisional Committee to respond to the disintegration of the tsar’s government. The purpose of the committee was to restore order and establish contact with public organizations and institutions. Eventually, the committee was renamed the Provisional Government, and its restated aim was to see Russia through the war. Alexander Kerensky dominated the provisional Government. Kerensky was an energetic lawyer who had long been a member of the Socialist Revolutionaries, a radical Russian political party. Kerensky’s most important decision was to keep Russia in the war. Kerensky hoped to gain land from the allies in exchange for continued participation in the war against Germany. Kerensky’s decision alienated him from soldiers and other Russians who were sick of Russia’s defeats in the war, but most importantly, resumption of the war effort was unpopular with the Petrograd Soviet, a competing communistic organization. The Provisional government had planned a nationwide election in late November that would choose a new government for Russia. Lenin knew that he had until the election to seize power from the Provisional government, pull Russia out of the war, and begin the new Marxist state.

Lenin’s RussiaLenin’s Russia In the October Revolution of 1917,

Lenin and his Bolshevik party seized control of Russia in a military “revolution” that lasted less than a day in Petrograd. The soldiers and civilians of Petrograd were so tired of the political confusion, the war, and the sense that nothing was happening politically, that the night the Bolsheviks staged a takeover the Bolshevik troops seized Petrograd without a fight.

The revolution, however, had not reached all of Russia. It is now January 1918. You are a leading Bolshevik in the government, and your job is to help Lenin decide how to deal with the problems he faces. At the end of the simulation, you will have learned not only a great deal about Russia between 1917-24, but you will also have formed your own opinion about how wisely Lenin ruled the country.There is a worksheet to accompany this activity. Fill it in as you go along.

In the October Revolution of 1917, Lenin and his Bolshevik party seized control of Russia in a military “revolution” that lasted less than a day in Petrograd. The soldiers and civilians of Petrograd were so tired of the political confusion, the war, and the sense that nothing was happening politically, that the night the Bolsheviks staged a takeover the Bolshevik troops seized Petrograd without a fight.

The revolution, however, had not reached all of Russia. It is now January 1918. You are a leading Bolshevik in the government, and your job is to help Lenin decide how to deal with the problems he faces. At the end of the simulation, you will have learned not only a great deal about Russia between 1917-24, but you will also have formed your own opinion about how wisely Lenin ruled the country.There is a worksheet to accompany this activity. Fill it in as you go along.

Q #1 Q #2 Q #3Q #3 Q #4

Q #5 Q #6 Marx vs. Lenin

Question 1: How to Deal with Political Opposition Outside the Party

Question 1: How to Deal with Political Opposition Outside the Party

Since the Revolution was only strong in Petrograd, there is much political opposition you must deal with outside of the Bolshevik party.

The first thing which Lenin has to decide is whether to call a Constituent Assembly (meaning a national parliament). This national parliament would be a place for a representative government, where laws could be passed, similar to the US Congress.

Lenin in having a difficult time deciding whether or not to call the Constituent Assembly. On the one hand, he made a big deal about the Provisional Government’s failure to call such an Assembly throughout 1917. On the other hand, it is unlikely that the Bolsheviks, Lenin’s communist party, will get an overall majority the Social Revolutionaries have more support in the countryside and the Mensheviks are more as popular than the Bolsheviks in the cities. Both the Social Revolutionaries and Mensheviks are socialist political parties that are not as radical as the Bolsheviks. The Mensheviks popularity came from their belief in democratically distributing power amongst the people. Lenin, however, believed that only his trained elite communists had the ability to administer Russia.

Since the Revolution was only strong in Petrograd, there is much political opposition you must deal with outside of the Bolshevik party.

The first thing which Lenin has to decide is whether to call a Constituent Assembly (meaning a national parliament). This national parliament would be a place for a representative government, where laws could be passed, similar to the US Congress.

Lenin in having a difficult time deciding whether or not to call the Constituent Assembly. On the one hand, he made a big deal about the Provisional Government’s failure to call such an Assembly throughout 1917. On the other hand, it is unlikely that the Bolsheviks, Lenin’s communist party, will get an overall majority the Social Revolutionaries have more support in the countryside and the Mensheviks are more as popular than the Bolsheviks in the cities. Both the Social Revolutionaries and Mensheviks are socialist political parties that are not as radical as the Bolsheviks. The Mensheviks popularity came from their belief in democratically distributing power amongst the people. Lenin, however, believed that only his trained elite communists had the ability to administer Russia.

Question 1 Options: How to Deal with Political Opposition Outside the PartyQuestion 1 Options: How to Deal with Political Opposition Outside the Party

Option 1: Call a Constituent Assembly Immediately

Option 2: Refuse to call the Constituent Assembly

Option 1: Call a Constituent Assembly Immediately

Option 2: Refuse to call the Constituent Assembly

Option #1 Option #2

Option 1: Call the Constituent Assembly

Option 1: Call the Constituent Assembly

Lenin believes this is a wise plan considering he will not look like a hypocrite to the Russian people….

You receive 20 points for your suggestion

Lenin believes this is a wise plan considering he will not look like a hypocrite to the Russian people….

You receive 20 points for your suggestion

What Really Happened?

Option 2: Refuse to Call the Constituent Assembly

Option 2: Refuse to Call the Constituent Assembly

Lenin believes he will look like a hypocrite if he does not call the assembly. He questions your ability to advise him.

Lenin disagrees with your suggestions, you receive 0 points.

Lenin believes he will look like a hypocrite if he does not call the assembly. He questions your ability to advise him.

Lenin disagrees with your suggestions, you receive 0 points.

What ReallyHappened?

Question 1: What Really Happened Political Opposition in the Constituent Assembly

Question 1: What Really Happened Political Opposition in the Constituent Assembly

Lenin decides to call elections for a Constituent Assembly in January 1918. For the Bolsheviks, the results are depressing: they gain barely a quarter of the available seats, whilst the Social Revolutionaries gain almost half. After electing Victor Chernov (pictured on the right) as Chairman, the Constituent Assembly refuses to accept the Bolshevik suggestion that parliamentary democracy be abandoned in favor of a “dictatorship of the proletariat” through the soviets (local community councils). This dictatorship would have allowed the Bolsheviks to take complete control of the government in the name of Russian people, while taking away their democratic rights within the national government. Lenin now needs to decide if he should shut down the assembly.

Lenin decides to call elections for a Constituent Assembly in January 1918. For the Bolsheviks, the results are depressing: they gain barely a quarter of the available seats, whilst the Social Revolutionaries gain almost half. After electing Victor Chernov (pictured on the right) as Chairman, the Constituent Assembly refuses to accept the Bolshevik suggestion that parliamentary democracy be abandoned in favor of a “dictatorship of the proletariat” through the soviets (local community councils). This dictatorship would have allowed the Bolsheviks to take complete control of the government in the name of Russian people, while taking away their democratic rights within the national government. Lenin now needs to decide if he should shut down the assembly.

Question 2 Options: Political Opposition in the

Constituent Assembly Question 2 Options: Political Opposition in the

Constituent Assembly

Option 1: Shut down the Constituent Assembly and begin a campaign of terror against your opponents

Option 2: Work with the Assembly to form a cooperative government in which all political parties work together

Option 1: Shut down the Constituent Assembly and begin a campaign of terror against your opponents

Option 2: Work with the Assembly to form a cooperative government in which all political parties work together

Option #1 Option #2

Option 1: Shut Down the Assembly

Option 1: Shut Down the Assembly

Brilliant! Lenin agrees with you that the Russian vote to support the other political parties is a clear sign that the Russian people do not know what is best for themselves. Therefore, by shutting down the assembly you will be looking out for their best interest.

You receive 20 points for this action

Brilliant! Lenin agrees with you that the Russian vote to support the other political parties is a clear sign that the Russian people do not know what is best for themselves. Therefore, by shutting down the assembly you will be looking out for their best interest.

You receive 20 points for this action


Option 2: Work With the Assembly

Option 2: Work With the Assembly

Lenin questions your ability to lead Russia (a dangerous opinion considering his belief in violent means). He believes it is impossible to work with other political parties that do not have a true understanding of what is needed for the Russian people.

You receive 0 points.

Lenin questions your ability to lead Russia (a dangerous opinion considering his belief in violent means). He believes it is impossible to work with other political parties that do not have a true understanding of what is needed for the Russian people.



Question 2: What Really Happened Political Opposition in the Constituent

Assembly

Question 2: What Really Happened Political Opposition in the Constituent

Assembly Lenin and the other Bolsheviks

believe that they understand the needs of the Russian people, better than the Russians themselves. So in order to create a “true democracy”, Lenin dissolves the Constituent Assembly, because he knows the needs of the proletariat (Russian workers and farmers) better than they do themselves! Shortly afterwards, the Bolsheviks are renamed the Communists and all other parties are banned.

Trotsky, the military leader of the communists (pictured), agrees that "we have trampled underfoot the principles of democracy for the sake of the loftier principles of a social revolution".

Lenin and the other Bolsheviks believe that they understand the needs of the Russian people, better than the Russians themselves. So in order to create a “true democracy”, Lenin dissolves the Constituent Assembly, because he knows the needs of the proletariat (Russian workers and farmers) better than they do themselves! Shortly afterwards, the Bolsheviks are renamed the Communists and all other parties are banned.

Trotsky, the military leader of the communists (pictured), agrees that "we have trampled underfoot the principles of democracy for the sake of the loftier principles of a social revolution".

Question 3: World War IQuestion 3: World War IThe next issue Lenin has to deal with is

the war with Germany which the Russian people are tired of fighting. There are three main points of view:

Option 1: Peace at any price-the war has destroyed the Tsar and the Provisional Government, and the Communists need to end it to prevent going the same way.

Option 2: War Against Capitalism- some communists believe the war is vital to carry on a revolutionary war against the capitalist German Empire in the name of communism. Anything less is an insult to the memory of Karl Marx.

Option 3: Wait for Victory- Trotsky proposes a tactic of no peace, no war. In other words, stringing out negotiations for as long as possible with the Germans in the hope that a communist revolution will break out in Europe before the Bolsheviks have to sign anything.

The next issue Lenin has to deal with is the war with Germany which the Russian people are tired of fighting. There are three main points of view:

Option 1: Peace at any price-the war has destroyed the Tsar and the Provisional Government, and the Communists need to end it to prevent going the same way.

Option 2: War Against Capitalism- some communists believe the war is vital to carry on a revolutionary war against the capitalist German Empire in the name of communism. Anything less is an insult to the memory of Karl Marx.

Option 3: Wait for Victory- Trotsky proposes a tactic of no peace, no war. In other words, stringing out negotiations for as long as possible with the Germans in the hope that a communist revolution will break out in Europe before the Bolsheviks have to sign anything.

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3

Option 1: Peace at Any PriceOption 1: Peace at Any Price

Lenin agrees with you. The Russian involvement in World War I has led to the fall of Nicholas II and the Provisional Government. Clearly peace is worth it at any price!

Add 20 points to your total

Lenin agrees with you. The Russian involvement in World War I has led to the fall of Nicholas II and the Provisional Government. Clearly peace is worth it at any price!

Add 20 points to your total


Option 2: War of CapitalismOption 2: War of Capitalism

Lenin believes you are crazy if you believe you can win this war…it has been too costly for the Russian people.

You receive 0 points

Lenin believes you are crazy if you believe you can win this war…it has been too costly for the Russian people.



Option 3: Wait for VictoryOption 3: Wait for Victory

Lenin temporarily agrees to this measure…but it is foolish in attempting to stall the Germans.


Lenin temporarily agrees to this measure…but it is foolish in attempting to stall the Germans.



Question 3: What Really Happened

Question 3: What Really Happened

Lenin and Trotsky reach an agreement: Trotsky can string out negotiations for peace for as long as he can ("no peace, no war"), but if the Germans start attacking Russia again, he should sign whatever the Germans demand. However, during the negotiations Trotsky behaves so arrogantly that the Germans end the temporary peace and re-invade Russia. The Communists then sign the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, ceding a million square kilometers of territory containing 80% of her coal mines and 30% of her population. Lenin accepted the Treaty because he believed that his communist revolution would soon spread to these areas, so they were only a temporary loss to the communists.

Lenin and Trotsky reach an agreement: Trotsky can string out negotiations for peace for as long as he can ("no peace, no war"), but if the Germans start attacking Russia again, he should sign whatever the Germans demand. However, during the negotiations Trotsky behaves so arrogantly that the Germans end the temporary peace and re-invade Russia. The Communists then sign the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, ceding a million square kilometers of territory containing 80% of her coal mines and 30% of her population. Lenin accepted the Treaty because he believed that his communist revolution would soon spread to these areas, so they were only a temporary loss to the communists.

Question 4: Leadership in the Civil War


Within months of taking power, the Bolsheviks in Moscow are being attacked by 250,000 enemies known collectively as the White Army. The Communist enemies include many Russians who want to restore the monarchy, restart the war against Germany, democratic leaders, or any other political group opposed to the communists. Their foreign enemies included the Allied countries resented. Allied forces from America, France, and Britain fight on the side of the White Army. At one stage, the Bolsheviks lost control of almost 75% of Russia.

Within months of taking power, the Bolsheviks in Moscow are being attacked by 250,000 enemies known collectively as the White Army. The Communist enemies include many Russians who want to restore the monarchy, restart the war against Germany, democratic leaders, or any other political group opposed to the communists. Their foreign enemies included the Allied countries resented. Allied forces from America, France, and Britain fight on the side of the White Army. At one stage, the Bolsheviks lost control of almost 75% of Russia.



With things getting desperate, Lenin faces a tough choice. Some communists want Leon Trotsky- who has built the Red Army into a formidable fighting force - to take direct control of the war. They argue that he is inspirational and trustworthy. They also argue that Lenin has enough on his hands running the government of the country. Other communists, however, including Josef Stalin, warn Lenin that this is a bad idea. They believe Trotsky is arrogant and cannot be trusted(after all, he only joined the party in 1917). What is needed is strong central leadership, not more delegation of power!

Option 1: Lenin should refuse to share power with Trotsky

Option 2: Lenin should agree to share power with Trotsky

With things getting desperate, Lenin faces a tough choice. Some communists want Leon Trotsky- who has built the Red Army into a formidable fighting force - to take direct control of the war. They argue that he is inspirational and trustworthy. They also argue that Lenin has enough on his hands running the government of the country. Other communists, however, including Josef Stalin, warn Lenin that this is a bad idea. They believe Trotsky is arrogant and cannot be trusted(after all, he only joined the party in 1917). What is needed is strong central leadership, not more delegation of power!

Option 1: Lenin should refuse to share power with Trotsky

Option 2: Lenin should agree to share power with Trotsky

Option #1 Option #2

Option 1: Refuse to Share PowerOption 1: Refuse to Share Power

Lenin realizes that if he loses the Civil War at the risk of keeping complete power he will be making a fool-hearty decision. He questions you and your quest to keep power.


Lenin realizes that if he loses the Civil War at the risk of keeping complete power he will be making a fool-hearty decision. He questions you and your quest to keep power.



Option 2: Share Power Option 2: Share Power

Lenin decides to give his full support to Trotsky because of his strong military leadership. He agrees with you that it is necessary to win the war.

You receive 20 points for your suggestion.

Lenin decides to give his full support to Trotsky because of his strong military leadership. He agrees with you that it is necessary to win the war.

You receive 20 points for your suggestion.


Question 4: What Really Happened?


Upon reflection, Lenin decides to give his full support to Trotsky. As a result, Trotsky hated by Stalin among others feels secure enough to leave Moscow and lead the Red Army from the front. He covers 65,000 miles in his mobile armored train headquarters inspiring the soldiers - who eventually numbered over 5 million. He also reintroduces the draft and the death penalty for desertion.

Upon reflection, Lenin decides to give his full support to Trotsky. As a result, Trotsky hated by Stalin among others feels secure enough to leave Moscow and lead the Red Army from the front. He covers 65,000 miles in his mobile armored train headquarters inspiring the soldiers - who eventually numbered over 5 million. He also reintroduces the draft and the death penalty for desertion.

Question 5: Economic PolicyQuestion 5: Economic Policy

The ravages of World War I have left Russia in complete chaos. Production of industrial and agricultural goods has ground to a halt due to the disruption of transport routes. The Bolshevik forces fighting the Civil War must be provided for…what type of economic policy should you follow?

The ravages of World War I have left Russia in complete chaos. Production of industrial and agricultural goods has ground to a halt due to the disruption of transport routes. The Bolshevik forces fighting the Civil War must be provided for…what type of economic policy should you follow?

Question 5: Economic Policy Options

Question 5: Economic Policy Options

Option 1: Give the power to the working classes- distribute the land to the peasants, and the factories to the workers.

Option 2: Give the resources to the government- force the peasants to hand over all surplus grain and have the government run the factories

Option 3: Allow for capitalism- which would allow peasants to sell produce they grow and businessmen to run the factories

Option 1: Give the power to the working classes- distribute the land to the peasants, and the factories to the workers.



Option #1 Option #2 Option #3

Option 1: Power to the PeopleOption 1: Power to the People

This is true communism- so at first Lenin likes your suggestion. However, it quickly fails.


This is true communism- so at first Lenin likes your suggestion. However, it quickly fails.



Option 2: Give the Resources to the Government

Option 2: Give the Resources to the Government

This proves to be the most effective way to acquire resources. The common people do not know how to effectively run the economy…clearly, they need the help of the government


This proves to be the most effective way to acquire resources. The common people do not know how to effectively run the economy…clearly, they need the help of the government



Option #3: CapitalismOption #3: Capitalism

This suggestion violates the founding principles of communism. You have greatly displeased Lenin, who is considering you a traitor to the communist cause.

Take away 5 points.

This suggestion violates the founding principles of communism. You have greatly displeased Lenin, who is considering you a traitor to the communist cause.

Take away 5 points.




At first, Lenin decided to adopt the pure communist approach, so he handed all the land over to the peasants, and all the factories to the workers. Politically, this policy was popular. Economically, though, it was a failure. The workers in the cities had no experience running the factories, so production fell even further. Since workers had no money, the peasants refused to sell their produce, thereby leaving the city workers hungry.

Then, Lenin adopted “war communism” which involved seizing grain from peasants in the countryside to feed Bolshevik troops and workers in the cities. The state held the right to take anything from anyone that it felt might help them in war. Factories were taken from the workers and run by a new state department called the Vesenka.

Economically, this solved the crisis, but politically peasants and workers resented losing control. Therefore, war communism needed to employ harsh police-state tactics. Lenin organized a secret police called the Cheka and charged it with arresting and killing all enemies of the revolution. Thousands of suspected traitors were executed or sent to prison.

At first, Lenin decided to adopt the pure communist approach, so he handed all the land over to the peasants, and all the factories to the workers. Politically, this policy was popular. Economically, though, it was a failure. The workers in the cities had no experience running the factories, so production fell even further. Since workers had no money, the peasants refused to sell their produce, thereby leaving the city workers hungry.

Then, Lenin adopted “war communism” which involved seizing grain from peasants in the countryside to feed Bolshevik troops and workers in the cities. The state held the right to take anything from anyone that it felt might help them in war. Factories were taken from the workers and run by a new state department called the Vesenka.

Economically, this solved the crisis, but politically peasants and workers resented losing control. Therefore, war communism needed to employ harsh police-state tactics. Lenin organized a secret police called the Cheka and charged it with arresting and killing all enemies of the revolution. Thousands of suspected traitors were executed or sent to prison.

Cheka MurdersCheka Murders

By 1921, riots are breaking out in Moscow and Petrograd in response to war communism.

Lenin crushed the rebels with the Red Army and Cheka. In Moscow, 40,000 people were arrested and hundred executed.

By 1921, riots are breaking out in Moscow and Petrograd in response to war communism.

Lenin crushed the rebels with the Red Army and Cheka. In Moscow, 40,000 people were arrested and hundred executed.

Why did the Communists win the war? Why did the Communists win the war? Red Army Strengths

White Army Weaknesses

Personal Unity The Reds united under Lenin and Trotsky.

The White Armies were divided and disagreed about

leadership.

Ideological Unity Red soldiers were not only twice as numerous as the

Whites, but were also united in a common cause which

was communism.

The Whites were divided between loyalties. Some

wanted to return to the monarchy and other forms

of government. Furthermore, they relied on

foreign aid.

Geographical Unity The communists were located in Russia’s “heartland”, in the center of the industrial region of Russia.

The White armies were scattered outside of the industrial center.

Question 6: Economic Policy After the Civil War


Lenin feels safe that the threats have been eliminated. However, war communism has left the country in shambles. The peasantry, rather than work hard just to hand over their grain to the government, resort to subsistence farming (producing just enough to get by). This has left the workers- already angry about having to give control of the factories to the government- hungry.

Now that the war has ended, Lenin takes another look at his economic policy. What do you think Lenin should do?

Lenin feels safe that the threats have been eliminated. However, war communism has left the country in shambles. The peasantry, rather than work hard just to hand over their grain to the government, resort to subsistence farming (producing just enough to get by). This has left the workers- already angry about having to give control of the factories to the government- hungry.

Now that the war has ended, Lenin takes another look at his economic policy. What do you think Lenin should do?



Option 1: Give the power to the working classes- distribute the land to the peasants, and the factories to the workers. This will inspire them to work harder.



Option 1: Give the power to the working classes- distribute the land to the peasants, and the factories to the workers. This will inspire them to work harder.



Option #1 Option #2 Option #3

Option 1: Power to the Working Class

Option 1: Power to the Working Class

Lenin thinks you are crazy…clearly, the people are too stupid to be able to make these choices for themselves. It failed once and will do so again.


Lenin thinks you are crazy…clearly, the people are too stupid to be able to make these choices for themselves. It failed once and will do so again.



Option 2: Resources to the Government

Option 2: Resources to the Government

If this program is not working now, its continued policy will not solve Russia’s problems. Lenin thinks your suggestion is foolish.


If this program is not working now, its continued policy will not solve Russia’s problems. Lenin thinks your suggestion is foolish.



Option 3: CapitalismOption 3: Capitalism

Although this violates the principles of Karl Marx, short term capitalism could give the Russian people the motivation they need to recover from the Civil War.

Lenin likes your suggestion…you receive 20 points.

Although this violates the principles of Karl Marx, short term capitalism could give the Russian people the motivation they need to recover from the Civil War.

Lenin likes your suggestion…you receive 20 points.


What Really Happened?What Really Happened? Though the rebellions are mercilessly crushed, Lenin

compares the communist state to a man "beaten to within an inch of his life". He replaces War Communism with the New Economic Policy (NEP) because he believed that the country was not yet ready for communism. This policy gives some power back to the capitalist peasants (Kulaks) and businessmen (bourgeoisie). The Kulaks are able to sell their produce and receive the profit. The businessmen are able to open up factories and other small businesses for profit. Foreign investors were enticed to invest in Russian industry. Meanwhile, the central government retained control of major industries like mining, steel production, and transportation.

This is distasteful with many communists, but by 1924 the economy will be well on the way to recovery as a result of this policy, which Lenin famously describes as "One step back to take two steps forward”. A healthy economy signaled by Russia’s return to prewar production levels.

Though the rebellions are mercilessly crushed, Lenin compares the communist state to a man "beaten to within an inch of his life". He replaces War Communism with the New Economic Policy (NEP) because he believed that the country was not yet ready for communism. This policy gives some power back to the capitalist peasants (Kulaks) and businessmen (bourgeoisie). The Kulaks are able to sell their produce and receive the profit. The businessmen are able to open up factories and other small businesses for profit. Foreign investors were enticed to invest in Russian industry. Meanwhile, the central government retained control of major industries like mining, steel production, and transportation.

This is distasteful with many communists, but by 1924 the economy will be well on the way to recovery as a result of this policy, which Lenin famously describes as "One step back to take two steps forward”. A healthy economy signaled by Russia’s return to prewar production levels.

New Social PoliciesNew Social Policies With the economy on the upswing, Lenin could turn to the creation of the

modern society he desired. For centuries Russians had lived under the feudal regime of the tsars. Women had no rights and were considered property of their fathers and husbands. Lenin reversed this situation by passing laws that insured the equality of men, and disallowed noble titles and ranks. The church was stripped of its land, money, and influence in education and government. The Communist party undertook a broad school-building campaign to attack illiteracy. They built hospitals and clinics across the country.

The Bolshevik Party,, understood that Soviet women would never achieve political and social equality unless they were allowed out of the stultifying isolation of the home and into the workplace. For the first time in history, full legal and political equality for women. Free abortion was available on demand; dining halls, laundries and day-care centers were established, and the new regime sought to ensure equality of economic opportunity in the civil service, in industry, in the party and in the armed forces. Eventually, however, the party would bend to the conservative ways of the peasants and reverse these measures.

With the economy on the upswing, Lenin could turn to the creation of the modern society he desired. For centuries Russians had lived under the feudal regime of the tsars. Women had no rights and were considered property of their fathers and husbands. Lenin reversed this situation by passing laws that insured the equality of men, and disallowed noble titles and ranks. The church was stripped of its land, money, and influence in education and government. The Communist party undertook a broad school-building campaign to attack illiteracy. They built hospitals and clinics across the country.

The Bolshevik Party,, understood that Soviet women would never achieve political and social equality unless they were allowed out of the stultifying isolation of the home and into the workplace. For the first time in history, full legal and political equality for women. Free abortion was available on demand; dining halls, laundries and day-care centers were established, and the new regime sought to ensure equality of economic opportunity in the civil service, in industry, in the party and in the armed forces. Eventually, however, the party would bend to the conservative ways of the peasants and reverse these measures.

The USSR ProclaimedThe USSR Proclaimed By 1922, when the USSR was formally

proclaimed, it was clear that the Bolsheviks had dealt with the immediate threats to their position. However, as principles had been compromised and policies had become inconsistent, the party had become so divided that Lenin had dispensed with debate and democracy and relied upon brute force and personal dictatorship to hold the regime together. This meant that the party rapidly fragmented when Lenin suffered from a series of strokes from 1922 and died early in 1924. This made it easier for Stalin to play people off against each other to secure his own ascendancy and to justify his own brutal methods by claiming they were Lenin's too. Far from "withering away" as Marx had envisaged, the state had become all-powerful. Lenin had replaced one dictatorship with another.

By 1922, when the USSR was formally proclaimed, it was clear that the Bolsheviks had dealt with the immediate threats to their position. However, as principles had been compromised and policies had become inconsistent, the party had become so divided that Lenin had dispensed with debate and democracy and relied upon brute force and personal dictatorship to hold the regime together. This meant that the party rapidly fragmented when Lenin suffered from a series of strokes from 1922 and died early in 1924. This made it easier for Stalin to play people off against each other to secure his own ascendancy and to justify his own brutal methods by claiming they were Lenin's too. Far from "withering away" as Marx had envisaged, the state had become all-powerful. Lenin had replaced one dictatorship with another.

0-40 Points

41-80 Points

81-120Points

Point Total: 0 - 40Point Total: 0 - 40

Lenin noted that you disagreed with him on many of his policies. Early in 1921 you were executed by the Cheka for holding “traitorous opinions.” Your family never recovered your body.

Lenin noted that you disagreed with him on many of his policies. Early in 1921 you were executed by the Cheka for holding “traitorous opinions.” Your family never recovered your body.

Marx vs. Lenin

Point Totals: 41-80Point Totals: 41-80

You have had moderate success in advising Lenin, so he felt comfortable with your membership to the communist party. Therefore, you have been given a job and party privileges during the time of Lenin and into the time of Stalin.

However, in the 1930’s Stalin decided to “purge” the communist party of all of the old Bolshevik leaders (whom he believed threatened his power). You were publicly tried and executed for spying. Your family has been shamed and imprisoned.

You have had moderate success in advising Lenin, so he felt comfortable with your membership to the communist party. Therefore, you have been given a job and party privileges during the time of Lenin and into the time of Stalin.

However, in the 1930’s Stalin decided to “purge” the communist party of all of the old Bolshevik leaders (whom he believed threatened his power). You were publicly tried and executed for spying. Your family has been shamed and imprisoned.

Marx vs. Lenin

Point Totals 81-120Point Totals 81-120

You have been a strong supporter of Lenin and his policies. Therefore, after his death Josef Stalin considers you a strong opponent in his quest to gain control of the communist government.

Once he gains the support of several powerful communists, he sends you into exile and later has you murdered (a similar fate to Trotsky who was exiled and killed in Mexico with a blow to the head by an ice pick).

You have been a strong supporter of Lenin and his policies. Therefore, after his death Josef Stalin considers you a strong opponent in his quest to gain control of the communist government.

Once he gains the support of several powerful communists, he sends you into exile and later has you murdered (a similar fate to Trotsky who was exiled and killed in Mexico with a blow to the head by an ice pick).

Marx vs. Lenin

Marx vs. Lenin: The Evolution of Communist Thought Chart

Marx vs. Lenin: The Evolution of Communist Thought Chart

Marx’s Ideas (Discussed in the Communist Manifesto)

History was the story of class struggle

The struggle Marx saw was between the capitalists and the proletariat, or the workers.

The proletariat’s numbers would be so great and their condition so poor that a spontaneous revolution would occur.

The revolution would end with the “dictatorship of the proletariat”- the communal ownership of wealth.

Marx’s Ideas (Discussed in the Communist Manifesto)


The struggle Marx saw was between the capitalists and the proletariat, or the workers.

The proletariat’s numbers would be so great and their condition so poor that a spontaneous revolution would occur.

The revolution would end with the “dictatorship of the proletariat”- the communal ownership of wealth.

Lenin’s Ideas (Discussed in the April Thesis he presented in 1917)


The struggle Lenin saw was capitalists against the peasants.

The proletariat and the peasants were not capable of leading a revolution and needed the guidance of professionals revolutionaries.

After the revolution, the state needed to be run by a single party with disciplined, centrally directed administrators in order to ensure its goals.

Lenin’s Ideas (Discussed in the April Thesis he presented in 1917)


The struggle Lenin saw was capitalists against the peasants.

The proletariat and the peasants were not capable of leading a revolution and needed the guidance of professionals revolutionaries.

After the revolution, the state needed to be run by a single party with disciplined, centrally directed administrators in order to ensure its goals.

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