History of Russian Revolutions

A political ideology focusing on individual rights, limited government, and representative democracy. They believed in a government by consent and supported an elected parliament with representatives from society.

A political ideology that promotes radical change, social equality, and often supports universal suffrage.

A political ideology that upholds traditional values, established institutions, and resistance to change. They generally favor a strong, centralized government.

The French Revolution had a profound impact on Europe, inspiring people to question the existing social order and demand greater rights and freedoms.

The Industrial Revolution led to the growth of factories, which generated new opportunities for workers but also created problems like factory ownership, workers' rights, and a growing gap between the wealthy and the poor.

Socialism emerged as a response to the problems created by industrialization. It emphasized the need for a more equitable distribution of wealth and a fairer society.

The 1905 Revolution in Russia was triggered by social and economic grievances, including poverty, inequality, and political repression.

The 1905 Revolution brought significant changes to Russia. It led to the establishment of a parliament, the Duma, and some limited reforms, but it ultimately failed to bring about lasting change.

The Socialist Revolutionary Party, formed in 1900, aimed to secure peasant rights and advocate for the transfer of land from nobles to peasants.

Lenin believed that peasants were not a homogenous group, instead exhibiting a range in wealth and social roles, and that the socialist movement needed to organize around a unified, disciplined party.

A socialist organization that split into two factions: the Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, and the Mensheviks, led by Julius Martov.

A period of political and social unrest in Russia that started in 1905, characterized by demands for a constitution to limit the Tsar's power.

The Tsar's absolute power, contrasting with Western European rulers who faced parliamentary limitations.

A group advocating for modernizing Islam and its role in society, particularly in Muslim-dominated parts of the Russian Empire.

Workers' demands that included reducing the workday to eight hours, increasing wages, and improving working conditions.

A period of economic hardship for Russian workers in 1904, leading to a significant decline in real wages and an increase in workers' associations.

A peaceful demonstration led by Father Gapon in 1905 that turned violent after police and Cossacks attacked the protestors, resulting in over 100 deaths and 300 injuries.

The Tsar granted concessions to the Russian people after Bloody Sunday, including the creation of a Constituent Assembly (Duma). The Duma was designed to provide a forum for political discussion and representation.

The Tsar's first attempt at creating a representative body was dismissed by the Tsar within 75 days, showing a lack of commitment to democracy.

The Tsar's attempt to stack the Duma with loyalists and restrict voting rights to ensure the Duma was ultimately under his control. He aimed to maintain power through the Duma rather than relinquish it.

These protests were sparked by the Tsar's lack of consultation with political parties before entering World War I, showing the deepening rift between the Tsar and popular opinion.

The Tsarina's German heritage and association with Rasputin were seen as a sign of weakness and treason, especially during a war against Germany. This fueled anti-German sentiments and weakened the Tsar's position.

The Eastern Front was a different experience from the Western Front, marked by heavy casualties and the impact of the war on the Russian villages.

The Tsar's decision to enter World War I without seeking input from the Duma fuelled the growing unpopularity of the war effort and further alienated the Tsar from the people. It also led to the rise of anti-German sentiment and suspicion towards influential figures like Rasputin.

The event that led to the establishment of the Provisional Government in Russia, marking the end of Tsarist rule.

The Provisional Government was a group of political leaders from different backgrounds, mainly industrialists, lawyers, landowners, army officers, socialists, and liberals.

The Provisional government's decision to continue participating in World War I led to significant challenges, including food shortages and public unrest.

Vladimir Lenin, a prominent revolutionary leader, returned to Russia in April 1917, aiming to replace the Provisional Government with Bolshevik rule.

Lenin's set of goals for Russia were known as the "April Theses", which included ending the war, transferring land to peasants, and nationalizing banks.

Lenin's party, initially known as the Bolsheviks, was renamed the Communist Party, reflecting their revolutionary socialist ideology.

Russia's involvement in World War I negatively impacted its industries, leading to equipment breakdowns, material shortages, and a lack of manpower.

The Tsar, Nicholas II, abdicated the throne on March 2nd, 1917, following the February Revolution, and the Provisional Government took over.

The Bolshevik Party changed its name to the Russian Communist Party after taking power in Russia.

The Bolsheviks did not secure a majority in the Constituent Assembly elections. The Socialist Revolutionary Party won the most seats.

Lenin dismissed the Constituent Assembly in early 1918 after it rejected Bolshevik policies.

The Bolsheviks established a one-party state with the Communist Party as the sole participant in the All-Russian Congress of Soviets.

The Bolsheviks under Lenin signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany, ending Russia's involvement in World War I.

The Bolsheviks tightly controlled trade unions and allowed only experimental styles in art and architecture during their reign.

One view on Russia's exit from World War I was that it allowed the country to focus on internal affairs after the revolution and reduce war casualties.

One view on Lenin's one-party system was that it prevented other parties from gaining power, potentially leading to instability.

The Cheka, also known as the All-Russian Extraordinary Commission for Combating Counter-Revolution and Sabotage, was the secret police force established by the Bolsheviks in Soviet Russia. It was given broad powers to suppress dissent, arrest and execute political opponents, and enforce Bolshevik policies.

Lenin's policies, particularly his nationalization of land and industries, faced opposition from various groups, including non-Bolshevik socialists (Greens), liberal groups, and Tsarist supporters (Whites). These groups opposed Lenin's radical changes and sought to restore the old order.

The Russian Civil War was a brutal conflict fought between the Bolsheviks (Reds), the Tsarist supporters (Whites), and the Socialist revolutionaries (Greens). The war resulted from the deep political divisions and power struggles in Russia after the revolution.

The Russian Civil War lasted from 1918 to 1919. The fighting was characterized by widespread famine, looting, and banditry. The war further destabilized the country and led to immense suffering for the Russian population.

During the Civil War, the Whites received support from foreign powers like France, America, and Japan, who were against the Bolshevik regime. On the other side, the Bolsheviks were supported by workers, some Muslim groups, and non-Russian nationalists.

The Bolsheviks, who ultimately won the Civil War, implemented policies to establish a socialist society. This involved nationalizing major industries and banks, socializing land ownership, and encouraging peasants to work collectively.

The Bolsheviks granted autonomy to non-Russian nationalities, aiming to build a united Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR). They recognized the diverse ethnicities and cultures within the vast territory of Russia.

The formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was completed in December 1922, signifying the consolidation of power under the Bolshevik rule. The USSR was born amidst struggles and the aftermath of the Civil War.