The Russian Revolution of 1917 Tea Boyarchuk History 11, October 18 th 2012
Feb 23, 2016
The Russian Revolution of 1917Tea BoyarchukHistory 11, October 18th 2012
Russia, Pre-Revolution IRussia under absolute power of
the Tsars for yearsTsar Nicholas/Nikolas/Nikolai II in
power, disliked by many Massive “disgrace” by losing
Russo-Japanese War ◦Considered a “disgrace” amongst
Eastern Europeans to lose to an Asian power
Russia, Pre-Revolution IIMid-1800s, educated Russian
middle class was exposed to new ideologies◦Mainly of German influence◦Socialism, Anarchism, Laissez-Faire
Capitalism, Collectivism, Marxism
سارة
The People, LeninVladimir Illyich Ulyanov, born in
SimbirskVladimir, involved in radical politics
◦Influenced by older brother, Anarchist terrorist sect, “Peoples’ Will” Executed by tsarists
◦Took the pen name of “Lenin” after developing a strong Marxist back ground
◦Joined growing numbers of Marxist intellectuals
The People, StalinIosip Djushganvili, Georgia,
terrorist, thief, radical, stole from banks, finance Marxist insurgence
Often imprisoned, often escaped with elaborate plans/disguises
The People, TrotskyLev David Broshtein, Russian-
Jewish intellectualStrongly opposed to all of
Stalin’s action◦Still a devoted Marxist
The People, Tsar Nikolai IICurrently living a lavish lifestyle,
unwilling to aid RussiansMain concern, Alexei’s diagnosis,
hemophiliaRasputin’s close relations troubles
the Russian communityFraternization with Rasputin, military
loses, Rebellions of 1905, Russian involvement in WWI
Large sense of discontent
Petrograd (St. Petersburg)February, female workers
launched a strikeIn one month, every industrial
plant was shut downWorkers, students, teachers,
flood streetsStrikes turn into riots
The Tsar & PoliticsChaos surrounded the TsarUnhappy troops turned on the
TsarThrone, willingly abdicated, mid-
March 1917
Other politicians establish a Provisional Government◦Socialists and Marxists were not
happy, not radical enough
The New GovernmentLeader = Alexander Kerensky,
moderate socialistBolsheviks stage another revolution
in OctoberMain socialist opposition, divided
into two factions◦Mensheviks, less radical and less
orthodox Marxist◦Bolsheviks, extremely radical, led by
Lenin
The October RevolutionDid not start in October, did not
end in October eitherEssentially a Bolshevik take over
of Russia, took many yearsEnsuing years known as the
Russian Civil War, slightly different from October Revolution
Bolsheviks (Reds) fight Monarchists/Moderates (Whites)
The Grand FinaleDethroned royal family, family
dog, and servants are murdered◦Princess Anastasia?
Establishment of the USSR is a done deal
Lasts just over 70 years
The USSR