Russian RevolutionFrom Czars to Communists

Causes of the revolution

Bolshevik R.E.V.O.L.T. in 1917

R. – Rasputin’s influence over the CzarE. – Every landless peasant demanded landV. – Violence broke out over bread shortages and military defeatsO. – Overthrow of provisional government was led by the BolsheviksL. – Lenin promises “Peace, Land, Bread”T. – Tzar’s Incompetence

Fall of the Tzar

Rasputin – Mystic leader of the Romanov’s increasing influence. video

Food and Fuel Shortages Mounting defeats in WWI Strikes and riots broke out across the

country March Revolution – spontaneous uprising

of working people and soldiers March 15, 1917 Czar Nicholas Abdicates

(steps down)

Provisional Government

1. Temporary Central Government2. Mostly made up of Middle Class

Duma reps.3. Alexander Kerensky – Prime Minister4. Big Mistake: Didn’t withdraw from

the war5. Challenged by Petrograd Soviet of

Workers and Soldiers Deputies (Mensheviks & small number of Bolsheviks)

Lenin

1. Leader of the Bolsheviks2. Bolsheviks beliefs: small number of

professional revolutionaries would lead a VIOLENT revolution against Aristocrats (Noblemen & Lords), and Middle Class

3. Promised: Peace, Land, and Bread

Bolshevik Revolution – Nov. 1917

Leader – Vladimir Lenin Slogan – “Peace (end war), Land (give more land

to the peasants), Bread (food)” Coup d’état – sudden overthrow of the

government by people from within the country

Socialist state – No private property, economic equality for all citizens (distribution of land to peasants, worker control of factories) *Based on the ideas of Karl Marx and Communism

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

**Lenin wanted to concentrate on stabilizing their government and economy Peace treaty between Germany and

Russia, ending Russian participation in the WWI

Russians lose much of western territory and 1/3 of population

Germans get land from Russia Allows Germany to concentrate on

western front

Civil War Red Army (communists) vs.

White Army (liberal democrats, moderate socialists, and royalists)

Leon Trotsky – communist leader of the Red Army

White Army defeated Lenin establishes

communist control throughout Russia