The Russian Revolution

1917

Pre- Revolutionary Russia

Before 1905, Russia was the last autocracy (absolutist form of monarchy)

Meaning, there was no parliament, the Czar (or Tsar) Ruled

Czar Nicholas was in power (Romanov empire)

This begins to change in 1905

Revolution of 1905 Starts due to strikes/riots over Russo-Japanese war,

especially in St. Petersburg

Nicholas II issues October Manifesto to end revolution, and promises the creation of a DUMA (parliament)

October Manifesto was successful because Czar got the middle class on his side, Revolution is over

After revolution, Czar back tracks on his promises• Creates a Duma, but not as powerful as he promised

4. Development of Parties

Because now there is parliaments and elections, parties are created

KADETS, SOCIAL REVOLUTIONISTS

Social Democrats, or Marxists, support came from Urban working class, but in 1903 split into 2 groups, Mensheviks and Bolsheviks:

Bolsheviks – (majority) small elite party, truer to Marxist roots want complete working class revolution.

February Revolution, 1917 Actually happened in March, but Russian calendar is about 2 weeks

behind

By Feb. 1917, Russia was experiencing weariness in war• huge casualties• tremendous food shortages at home• harsh winters• anger at profiteering

Czar is at the front, blamed for defeats, plus Czar’s wife is German

These above issues cause Russia to explode into a Revolution

Revolution was Unplanned, Unorganized, Leaderless starts as a street demonstration over bread

Ends with the abdication of the Czar and end of Romanov dynasty

Provisional Government, Feb. – Oct. 1917 Enacts some sweeping reforms:

1. Universal Suffrage2. Civil Equality, Civil Rights3. 8 hour workday4. Redistribution of Land5. Call for creation of a Constitution

Provisional Gov looks to make great reforms, but Totally out of touch with peasants and the “real Russian situation.” Refused to end WWI for Russia!

Face 2 great challenges

October Revolution, 1917 Bolsheviks seize positions in Gov. Buildings

and Communication Centers, take over and kick out Provisional Gov.

Less bloodshed than February Revolution

Less of a Revolution, more of a Coup

Lenin institutes: Leninism-often titled “Communism” but it is not even close to theoretical communism.

What did the Bolsheviks do first? Lenin’s slogan: “Peace Land and Bread”

Did not want to make the same mistakes as the Provisional Gov.

1. Decree on Land – all land nationalized and turned over to Bolsheviks for re-distribution

2. Decree on Peace – made a pact with Germany to pull Russia out of the war

3. Council of People’s Commissars – basically a group that becomes like a dictator, no elections for constitutional assembly.

Outbreak of Civil War in 1919 White Army vs. Red Army

White Army – remains loyal to the Romanovs or the Provisional Gov., US came to aid the White army for 2 reasons Anti-communists Want Russia to repay war debts, which Bolsheviks would not do

Red Army - Bolsheviks, attacked those who are loyal to Czar

How did the Red Army win?• Bolsheviks held central Russia, good supplies/communication• White Armies were uncoordinated, did not cooperate with one

another, unpopular with the peasants• Red army was well lead by Trotsky• Western allied forces had little stomach for intervention by 1919

Result of the Russian Revolution Lenin starts Anti-West phenomenon

Refuses to pay any loans back to West incurred by Nicholas II

Executed Czar and his family on June16, 1918

Thousands of people tortured and killed during the civil war.

Lenin establishes the “Cheka” after Red victory in Civil War and alters Russian History forever with the use of Terror as an acceptable political means.